India’s New Criminal Laws: Transforming Justice Delivery

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has hailed India’s newly enacted criminal laws as a landmark reform set to transform the country’s legal landscape. Speaking at the inauguration of the exhibition 'Nava Vidhaan – Nyaya Ki Nayi Pehchhan' in Jaipur, Shah emphasized that these reforms mark a departure from colonial-era legislation and aim to streamline justice delivery across the nation. He highlighted that these laws are already showing improvements in conviction rates and timely chargesheet filings, reflecting their practical impact on the justice system.

Union home minister Amit Shah | Hindustan Times

The Three Pillars of Legal Reform

The new criminal framework, which came into force on July 1, 2024, consists of three key legislations. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023 replaces the Indian Penal Code, consolidating and updating provisions relating to offenses. The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023 supersedes the Code of Criminal Procedure, modernizing procedures for criminal investigations and trials. Finally, the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) 2023 replaces the Indian Evidence Act, updating rules of evidence to make them more aligned with contemporary requirements. Together, these laws seek to replace outdated colonial-era provisions with a system that reflects modern Indian values and legal priorities.

Key Features and Innovations

The new laws introduce several transformative measures to enhance justice delivery. Dedicated chapters for offenses against women and children ensure focused attention on vulnerable groups, while the introduction of e-FIR and Zero-FIR systems allows citizens to file complaints more conveniently, promoting accessibility and accountability. Mandatory videography of evidence seizures has been introduced to ensure transparency, and forensic testing is now required for serious crimes punishable by more than seven years of imprisonment, strengthening the evidentiary process. Additionally, the laws provide specific legal frameworks to address emerging crimes, including terrorism, mob lynching, and digital offenses, reflecting India’s evolving legal challenges.

Real-World Impact

The implementation of these laws has already begun to show tangible results. In Rajasthan, authorities attached and seized illegal assets worth ₹12 crore under the BNSS, marking one of the first major applications of the law. Tamil Nadu has empowered its police and courts to take stricter action against absconders under Section 356 of the BNSS, helping expedite pending cases and deter delays caused by accused individuals evading justice. These examples demonstrate that the reforms are not merely theoretical but are actively shaping faster and more effective justice delivery.

Training and Implementation

To ensure the successful rollout of these laws, the Ministry of Home Affairs has guided state authorities, and police personnel have undergone specialized training programs. Amit Shah expressed confidence that these reforms will significantly enhance the efficiency, fairness, and responsiveness of the Indian criminal justice system, creating a legal framework that is citizen-friendly and effective.

The MGMM Outlook

India has taken a decisive step toward modernizing its criminal justice system with the enactment of new laws that replace outdated colonial-era provisions. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has highlighted that these reforms, including the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) 2023, are designed to streamline legal processes and improve conviction rates. These laws introduce contemporary measures such as e-FIR and Zero-FIR systems, mandatory videography of evidence seizures, and forensic testing for serious crimes. Specific provisions targeting offenses against women, children, terrorism, digital crimes, and mob violence demonstrate a comprehensive approach that aligns legal priorities with modern societal needs.

The real-world effects of these reforms are already visible across states like Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu, where illegal assets have been seized, and stricter action is being taken against absconders to expedite pending cases. Training programs for police personnel and guidance for state authorities are helping implement these laws effectively, ensuring that they are not merely theoretical updates but practical tools for faster and more transparent justice. By focusing on efficiency, accountability, and citizen accessibility, India is reshaping its criminal justice system to meet contemporary challenges and ensure a more responsive legal framework.

(Sources: Hindustan Times, NDTV, PIB)