India Set to Enforce New Criminal Laws Replacing IPC, CrPC, and Evidence Act from July 1, 2024
In a significant development, the Union Government has announced that the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam will come into effect from July 1, 2024. These new criminal laws will replace the longstanding Indian Penal Code (IPC), Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), and the Indian Evidence Act. The Ministry of Home Affairs issued notifications today, marking a historic shift in the country’s legal framework.
The three laws, which were passed by the Parliament on December 21, 2023, and received the President’s assent on December 25, 2023, will bring about substantial changes in the criminal justice system. The Union Government has exercised its powers to appoint July 1, 2024, as the date for the enforcement of these laws, as per the provisions outlined in the statutes.
However, it is worth noting that the implementation of Sub Section (2) of Section 106 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, specifically addressing ‘causing death of a person by rash and negligent driving of a vehicle,’ has been temporarily put on hold. This decision follows widespread protests by truckers who expressed concerns regarding this provision.
The Ministry of Home Affairs, in its notification, stated, “In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (2) of section 1 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (45 of 2023), the Central Government hereby appoints the 1st day of July, 2024, as the date on which the provisions of the said Sanhita, except the provision of sub-section (2) of section 106, shall come into force.”
The new criminal laws aim to modernize and streamline the legal system, addressing various shortcomings in the existing framework. With their implementation, there is expected to be a paradigm shift in how crimes are defined, investigated, and prosecuted. The repeal and replacement of the IPC, CrPC, and Evidence Act represent a landmark moment in India’s legal history.
It is crucial for citizens, legal professionals, and law enforcement agencies to familiarize themselves with the changes introduced by these laws, as they will shape the future landscape of criminal justice in the country. The Union Government is likely to provide informational campaigns and training sessions to ensure a smooth transition to the new legal framework.
As the July 1, 2024 deadline approaches, stakeholders are urged to stay updated on any further developments and guidance from the government regarding the implementation of these groundbreaking criminal laws. The legal fraternity, in particular, will play a vital role in interpreting and applying the new statutes, contributing to the evolution of India’s legal landscape.
