The three new criminal laws introduced with aim to make the justice system not only affordable, accessible, and approachable, but also simple, consistent, and transparent

• New Laws Replacing Colonial-Era Framework
• Indian Penal Code (IPC, 1860): Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, 2023 (BNS).
• Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC, 1973): Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS).
• Indian Evidence Act (1872): Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 (BSA).

Key Reforms in the Past One Year

• Technology-Driven Justice System
  • e-Sakshya (e-evidence) and e-Summons notified in 11 States/UTs.
  • Nyaya Shruti (enables courts to hear witness testimonies via video conferencing) implemented in 6 States/UTs.
  • Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS) network: Covers over 14,000 police stations, 22,000 courts are online.
• Capacity Building and Training: 23 States/UTs have completed 100% capacity-building.
• Community service introduced as a penalty in 12 States/UTs.

Challenges in Implementing the New Criminal Laws (BNS, BNSS, BSA)

• lack of adequate infrastructural support: E.g., Several police stations, courts and prisons lack basic access to the internet and tools enabling digital access. 
• BNSS sets justice timelines but lacks enforcement: E.g., 22% vacancies in police and district judiciary make deadlines hard to meet.
• BNSS and BSA emphasize forensics, but implementation suffers: Due to 47% administrative and 49% scientific vacancies.