New Delhi. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday said that the new criminal laws are a symbol of India’s progress and resilience that prepares the country for a more just and secure future. Responding to a question at a press conference, BJP national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia said that the Indian Penal Code and the Indian Evidence Act, introduced in 1860 and 1872 respectively, were outdated and inadequate to deal with contemporary issues.
He said, “Today is a historic day in the history of our independent country India. A developing society needs laws that meet its needs and demands, and protect its rights.” Three new criminal laws came into force in the country on Monday, which will bring far-reaching changes in the criminal justice system of India. The Indian Justice Code (BNS), the Indian Civil Protection Code (BNSS) and the Indian Evidence Act (BSA) have taken into account some current social realities and modern-day crimes.
These three laws have replaced the British-era laws Indian Penal Code (IPC), Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) and Indian Evidence Act. Bhatia described the new laws as a symbol of India’s progress and resilience that prepares the country for a more just and secure future. Highlighting the comprehensive nature of the new laws, he mentioned several important changes.
Bhatia said, “There was no definition of terrorism in the earlier laws, which made it difficult for the prosecution and police to file charges and prove the case. Terrorism has been defined in the new laws.” He said that this clarity will strengthen India’s resolve to eliminate terrorism. Bhatia also mentioned the inclusion of mob lynching as a specific crime, which has a provision for death penalty.
The BJP spokesperson said, “There is a separate chapter on crimes against women and children which ensures specificity and deters criminals from committing these crimes.” He said that the new laws also aim to speed up the process of providing justice. Bhatia said, “If any decision is reserved in criminal cases, then it has to be decided within 45 days.” He said that this provision deals with the delay caused by judicial retirement and reconstitution of benches, which ensures timely justice for all.
Talking about the wider social impact of these laws, Bhatia said that the new laws are a symbol of the fact that a new, flexible India is ready to adopt the laws duly enacted by our lawmakers. Taking a dig at the opposition, Bhatia said, “I am sure they have not even read the three laws, just like they hold a copy of the Constitution in their hands but do not care to read it.” He said that the whole country has come forward to adopt and welcome the new criminal laws.