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.
Key Supreme Court Judgments on BNS, BNSS
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