India’s New Criminal Laws

India is implementing 3 new criminal laws — Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam 2023 — from today, replacing British-era criminal laws. Here are the key points about it:

(1) If someone is arrested, they have the right to notify a person of their choosing about their circumstances immediately. This will guarantee prompt support and help for the person who has been arrested. Shockingly, this was not in use earlier.

(2) If there is a crime against children and women, hospitals would want a police report to be filed first before treating the victims. The new laws enable immediate access to essential medical care, focusing on the well-being and recovery of victims.

(3) The new laws prioritize investigations of offenses against women and children, mandating completion within two months of the initial report.

(4) Both the accused and the victim have the right to receive copies of the FIR, police report, chargesheet, statements, confessions, and other documents within 14 days. Courts will allow a maximum of two adjournments to prevent unnecessary delays in hearings and ensure timely justice.

It took us so long to take such simple steps for the betterment of law!