Parliamentary Committee to Review Three Key Bills

Parliamentary Committee to Review Three Key Bills. Image/ANI

Domain Experts to Share Insights on Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Bill

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs is set to convene on September 11, 12, and 13 to gather insights from domain experts on three crucial bills: the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023; the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023; and the Bharatiya Sakshya Bill, 2023. These bills were introduced in the Lower House of Parliament on August 11, and they aim to replace the Indian Penal Code (IPC) 1860, the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1973, and the Indian Evidence Act, 1872, respectively.

Revamping Legal Framework for Justice and Rights Protection

During the bill introductions, Home Minister Amit Shah underscored that the primary objective of these new laws is to safeguard all the rights enshrined in the Indian Constitution for its citizens. He emphasized that the existing British-era laws were designed to strengthen colonial rule and served punitive purposes rather than delivering justice.

Shah explained, “We (the government) are going to bring changes in both these fundamental aspects. The soul of these three new laws will be to protect all the rights given by the Constitution to Indian citizens. The objective will not be to punish anyone but to deliver justice, and in this process, punishment will be administered where necessary to deter crime.”

Extensive Consultation and Revision Process

Amit Shah highlighted the extensive consultation process that led to the formulation of these bills. Input was sought from 18 states, six Union Territories, the Supreme Court, 16 High Courts, five judicial academies, 22 Law Universities, 142 Members of Parliament, approximately 270 MLAs, and the general public. Over four years, these bills were thoroughly discussed, with the Home Minister himself participating in 158 meetings.

Key Changes in the Bills

• The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita Bill, set to replace the CrPC, will now comprise 533 sections. This revision involves altering 160 sections, adding nine new sections, and repealing nine sections.
• The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill, which will replace the IPC, will feature 356 sections, down from the previous 511 sections. This includes amendments to 175 sections, the addition of eight new sections, and the repeal of 22 sections.
• The Bharatiya Sakshya Bill, designed to replace the Evidence Act, will now consist of 170 sections, as opposed to the earlier 167. Changes involve the alteration of 23 sections, the inclusion of one new section, and the repeal of five sections.

These bills represent a significant overhaul of India’s legal framework, aimed at enhancing justice delivery and safeguarding citizens’ rights.