New Delhi – In a historic move aimed at modernizing the country’s legal framework, Union Home Minister Amit Shah presented a trio of groundbreaking bills in the Lok Sabha on the final day of the monsoon session of Parliament. These bills, collectively known as the Indian Judicial Reform Package, seek to replace three foundational criminal laws of India, ushering in a new era of justice and governance.
The legislative package consists of three key bills: the Indian Judicial Code Bill, the Indian Evidence Bill, and the Indian Civil Defense Code Bill. These bills have been meticulously crafted to supersede the existing Indian Penal Code (IPC 1860), the Indian Evidence Act (IEA 1872), and the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC 1973) respectively.
Speaking passionately in the Parliament, Amit Shah articulated the significance of this monumental move, stating, “For over 160 years, our criminal justice system has operated under the shadow of laws drafted during the British colonial era. The time has come to usher in a new era of justice that aligns with our evolving society and aspirations.”
#WATCH | Union Home Minister Amit Shah speaks on Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill, 2023; The Bharatiya Sakshya Bill, 2023 and The Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita Bill in Lok Sabha.
— ANI (@ANI) August 11, 2023
He says, "From 1860 to 2023, the country's criminal justice system functioned as per the laws made… pic.twitter.com/TIcoeaXvjG
A highlight of this legislative overhaul is the abolition of contentious clauses, including the widely-debated ‘sedition’ law, which has been a subject of considerable debate in recent times.
With an unwavering commitment to enhance the efficacy of the criminal justice system, Amit Shah highlighted a pivotal provision within the bills. He emphasized that a critical objective of these reforms is to elevate the conviction rate to exceed 90 percent. As part of this mission, the bills mandate the mandatory presence of forensic experts at crime scenes for cases carrying a sentence of seven years or more. This ground breaking step aims to bolster the scientific rigor of investigations and contribute to fairer and more accurate legal proceedings.
As the nation’s lawmakers engage in comprehensive deliberations over this momentous legislation, anticipation runs high regarding the potential transformation of India’s legal landscape. The bills’ introduction in the Lok Sabha marks a watershed moment in the country’s journey towards a justice system that is more equitable, efficient, and aligned with the demands of a modern society.
Should these bills receive the green light from Parliament, they will undoubtedly stand as a testament to the government’s unwavering commitment to upholding the principles of justice, fairness, and progress in India.
