Posted on July 2, 2024
Three fresh criminal codes Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhinim 2023 applied on July 1. These laws will repeal the I. P. C, the code of criminal procedures and the Indian evidence act inherited from the British rule in India.
Here are 10 updates on new criminal laws:
1) Few of the new criminal laws are- Summons through electronic mode, Videography of the crime scene, Online registration of police complaint, Zero FIR.
2) Under the new legislation the victim will be made to get a free copy of the FIR making them part and parcel of the legal process.
3) The third striking issue of the law is that, after a person was arrested, he has a right to inform any person of his turning point or his state. This will ensure that the arrested person is attended to and assisted as soon as possible.
4) Also, arrest details will also be ensures posted at the police stations and the district headquarters in order to minimize the time taken by families and friends of the arrested person in acquiring important information on the arrest.
5) Again, in order to support cases and investigations, forensic personnel is required to physically access scenes of serious crimes in order to search for evidence. In addition to that, the evidence collection process at the crime scene must be videographed to avoid interference.
6) New laws focus on probing into the offences against women and children, and such cases are supposed to be solved within two months since the report is filed. Also, the victims are free to receive the progress report on the case each time within the 90-day interval.
7) The new laws claim that first-aid or medical treatment for victims of crimes against women and children will be offered free of charge at all the hospitals. This provision affords immediate right to medical treatment which emphasizes on the health of victims during hard times.
8) Issuance of the summons has been made electronic allowing for shorter time to complete the legal processes, cutting down on papers used and communication between all concerned parties.
9) For specific offences against women, the magistrate should in a convectional manner be the one to record statements of the victim. If this is not possible, a male magistrate must do so in front of a woman, being cautious and balanced, as well as providing an environment conducive to victims’ conditions.
10) The accused as well as the victim shares equal rights to be provided with the copies of FIR Police report chargesheet statements confessional and other documents within fourteen days. Judicial officers will allow only maximum of two adjournments to avoid many delays and uphold the justice delivery system.