The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs is scheduled to hear the views of domain experts on three bills, namely the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023; the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023; and the Bharatiya Sakshya Bill, 2023, on September 11, 12, and 13.
These bills, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, and the Bharatiya Sakshya Bill 2023, were presented in the Lower House of Parliament on August 11. These bills aim to replace the Indian Penal Code (IPC) 1860, Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1973, and the Indian Evidence Act, 1872, respectively.
When introducing the bills, Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized that the essence of these new laws is to safeguard all the rights granted to citizens by the Constitution. He noted that the British-era laws were created to reinforce and protect their rule, primarily focusing on punishment rather than justice.
Shah further explained, “We (the government) are going to bring changes in both these fundamental aspects. The soul of these three new laws will be to protect all the rights given by the Constitution to Indian citizens. The objective will not be to punish anyone but give justice, and in this process, punishment will be given where it is required to create a sense of prevention of crime.”
Shah revealed that extensive discussions were held over four years involving 18 states, six Union Territories, the Supreme Court, 16 High Courts, five judicial academies, 22 Law Universities, 142 Members of Parliament, approximately 270 MLAs, and the public. He personally attended 158 meetings during these discussions.
Regarding the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita Bill, which will replace the CrPC, it will now consist of 533 sections. Shah highlighted that a total of 160 sections have been altered, nine new sections have been introduced, and nine sections have been repealed.
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill, meant to replace the IPC, will have 356 sections instead of the previous 511 sections. Shah noted that 175 sections have been amended, eight new sections have been included, and 22 sections have been repealed.
The Bharatiya Sakshya Bill, which is set to replace the Evidence Act, will now comprise 170 sections instead of the previous 167. Shah reported that 23 sections have been modified, one new section has been added, and five have been repealed.
