India Overhauls Justice System: Colonial Laws Replaced in Landmark Parliamentary Move

New Delhi : India has ushered in a new era of criminal justice with the passage of three bills that replace colonial-era laws with modern, victim-centric ones. The Bharatiya Nyaya (Second) Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha (Second) Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya (Second) Bill, 2023, replace the Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, and Evidence Act respectively.

Swifter justice and harsher penalties are at the heart of the reform. Charge sheets must be filed within 180 days, and trials will be prioritized based on the severity of the crime. Minimum sentences and community service options are introduced, while death penalty for rape of minors is mandated.

Protecting vulnerable groups is a key priority. Sexual assault provisions align with the POCSO Act, and the trade of minor boys is criminalized. Accountability of police is emphasized, with mandatory information sharing and victim updates.

Modern threats like terrorism are also addressed. A clear definition of terrorism in the context of national security is provided, and harsher penalties are in place. The police have a stricter timeline for registering FIRs, and medical reports in rape cases must be submitted within seven days.

This overhaul ensures justice is served efficiently and effectively. Trials in absentia for absconding criminals expedite the process and bring them to justice. Only convicted criminals have the right to mercy petitions, ensuring accountability.

India's new criminal justice system marks a significant step towards a more humane, responsive, and efficient legal framework. It prioritizes victim protection, swift justice, and modern definitions of crime, paving the way for a safer and more equitable future.