“New Bill Proposed by Central Government in Lok Sabha Replacing IPC, CrPC, and Indian Evidence Act”
Central Government Introduces Landmark Bills to Reform Criminal Laws in Lok Sabha
On August 11, 2023, a significant legislative development unfolded in the Lok Sabha as the Central Government presented three crucial bills aimed at modernizing the legal landscape. These bills seek to replace the longstanding Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), and the Indian Evidence Act.
A New Era of Legal Framework: The Introduction of Reform Bills
Union Home Minister Amit Shah took the lead in introducing these transformative bills, each with a distinct focus:
- The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023: This bill strives to consolidate and amend provisions pertaining to offenses, as well as interconnected and supplementary matters.
- The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023: Focusing on the streamlining of criminal procedures, this bill is designed to consolidate and amend existing laws while addressing relevant ancillary concerns.
- The Bharatiya Sakshya Bill, 2023: This bill’s objective is to consolidate and establish fundamental rules and principles of evidence, ensuring a fair trial process.
The Supplementary Agenda: Bill Introduction and Referral
These visionary bills were unveiled through the supplementary list of business. Following their introduction, the Lok Sabha directed these bills to the esteemed Standing Committee on Home Affairs, marking a pivotal step in their legislative journey.
The Evolution of Reform: A Journey of Deliberation
The genesis of these bills dates back to March 2020 when the Central Government established the Criminal Law Reforms Committee. Chaired by Professor Dr. Ranbir Singh, the then Vice-Chancellor of the National Law University Delhi, the committee also included luminaries such as Professor Dr. GS Bajpai and Professor Dr. Balraj Chauhan, among others.
A Comprehensive Vision Takes Shape: The Committee’s Report
After extensive consultations, the committee presented its recommendations in February 2022. The report, fortified by insights from the public, laid the foundation for these reformative bills. Subsequently, in April 2022, the Law Ministry informed the Rajya Sabha about the Government’s commitment to a comprehensive review of existing criminal laws.
Anticipation Builds: A Promise on the Horizon
In the preceding year, the Home Minister had conveyed the Government’s intent to introduce fresh drafts for the IPC, CrPC, and Evidence Act. The fulfillment of this commitment is now poised to reshape the legal landscape, ushering in a new era of justice and efficacy.
As these bills progress through the legislative process, the nation watches with anticipation, acknowledging the potential transformation that lies ahead. Stay tuned for further developments as India’s legal framework evolves into a more responsive and modern system.
Click here to read the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023(which seeks to replace IPC)
Click here to read the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (which seeks to replace the CrPC)
Click here to read the Bharatiya Sakshya Bill (which seeks to replace Evidence Act)
