Three new criminal laws comes into force today

New Delhi, July 1:  India will enforce three new criminal laws—Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam—replacing the colonial-era Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, and Indian Evidence Act today. 

These laws aim to introduce a modern justice system, featuring innovations like Zero FIR, online police complaint registration, electronic summons, and mandatory videography of crime scenes for heinous crimes.

In January, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted this legislative shift as a landmark change, emphasizing the new laws' focus on 'citizen first, honour first, and justice first,' urging the police to operate based on data rather than force.

Following the notification of these laws on December 25, 2023, the Ministry of Home Affairs launched initiatives for their effective implementation, targeting police, prisons, prosecutors, judicial, and forensic personnel, as well as the general public.

Technological Upgradation

The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) made 23 modifications to the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS) for compatibility with the new laws. The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) is developing CCTNS 2.0, incorporating secure cloud storage and provisions for crime scene videography and forensic evidence collection. A mobile app, NCRB Compendium of Criminal Laws, was launched, garnering around 1.2 lakh users.

The National Informatics Centre (NIC) developed apps such as e-Sakshaya, Nyayashruti, and e-Summon to facilitate crime scene documentation and electronic court summons. Necessary updates were made to CCTNS, e-Prison, e-Prosecution, and e-Forensic apps.

Capacity Building

The Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D) created 13 training modules for stakeholders, with a 'Training of Trainers' model implemented across various institutes. Over 250 training courses have been conducted, training 40,317 officers/personnel. States and UTs have trained an additional 5,84,174 officers. Control rooms were established to address implementation queries.

 The Higher Education Department and the Department of Legal Affairs organized informational campaigns in universities and conferences, respectively. The iGOT-Karmayogi Bharat platform offers courses on the new laws, with significant officer participation.

Publicity and Awareness Campaign

A coordinated publicity campaign led by BPR&D involved thematic posters, social media outreach, and dialogue workshops in state capitals. All India Radio and Doordarshan covered events and discussions, while MyGov ran a quiz and other awareness activities.

Inclusion in Curriculum/Training Programs

The Bar Council of India mandated the inclusion of the new laws in the curriculum starting from the 2024-25 academic year. NCERT plans to introduce these laws in school curriculums for classes 6-7 by October 2024 and for classes 9-10 by January 2025.

Review Meetings and Preparedness

Home Secretary-led review meetings ensured States and UTs are prepared in terms of technology, capacity building, and awareness generation. Proposed events for July 1 include group discussions, seminars, and workshops in educational institutions and police stations to highlight the new laws' features and benefits.