Lok Sabha convened on Tuesday to deliberate and potentially pass three crucial bills aimed at overhauling key criminal laws in India. The bills, namely Bharatiya Nyaya (Second) Sanhita, 2023, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha (Second) Sanhita, 2023, and Bharatiya Sakshya (Second) Bill, 2023, seek to replace the archaic Indian Penal Code of 1860, Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) of 1973, and Indian Evidence Act of 1872.
Lok Sabha takes up discussion on bills to replace IPC, CrPC, Evidence Act
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Home Minister Amit Shah is expected to respond to the debates later in the day. Last week, Shah introduced these amended criminal law bills, withdrawing the ones presented during the monsoon session of Parliament. Explaining the move, Shah stated that the bills underwent scrutiny by the Standing Committee, and instead of official amendments, it was decided to reintroduce them with necessary changes.
The new bills aim to modernize and streamline the legal framework, reflecting contemporary needs and advancements in technology. The Bharatiya Nyaya (Second) Sanhita 2023 focuses on replacing the Indian Penal Code, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha (Second) Sanhita 2023 aims to replace the Code of Criminal Procedure, and the Bharatiya Sakshya (Second) Bill 2023 aims to replace the Indian Evidence Act.
Participating in the ongoing debate, BJP MP Ravi Shankar emphasized the extensive consultations held on these bills. He commended the emphasis on leveraging modern technology within the proposed legislation. “This is the age of technology and information; various provisions in this bill ensure the promotion of digital records, usage of laptops, and the possibility of digital trials under new provisions,” stated the BJP MP, highlighting the bills’ adaptation to the digital era.