New criminal laws implemented from July 1st,2024

July 1, 2024

Effective from July 1, 2024, three new criminal laws in India—Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA)—replace the longstanding Indian Penal Code (IPC), Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), and Indian Evidence Act of 1872 respectively. These new laws aim to overhaul the country's criminal justice system significantly.

Key Changes Under the New Laws:
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)

Community Service: Introduces community service as a form of punishment.
Sexual Offences: Imposes up to ten years of imprisonment for deceitful sexual intercourse under false promises of marriage.
Organised Crime: Expands legal scrutiny on various illegal activities, including human trafficking, economic offences, and cyber-crimes.
National Security: Defines terrorist acts threatening national unity and integrity with severe punishments.
Mob Lynching: Severe penalties for group murders based on race, caste, religion, etc.

Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS)

Bail for Under-trials: Allows first-time offenders to get bail after serving one-third of their sentence (except life imprisonment or multiple charges).
Forensic Investigations: Mandates forensic evidence collection for crimes punishable by seven years or more.
Timelines: Sets strict timelines for various legal procedures, such as submitting medical reports for rape victims within seven days and delivering judgments within 30-60 days after arguments.
Hierarchy of Courts: Clarifies the roles and hierarchy of different courts from Magistrate’s Courts to the Supreme Court.

Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA)

Electronic Evidence: Updates rules regarding electronic evidence, requiring detailed disclosure formats and expanding the scope of secondary evidence.