In order to repeal archaic colonial laws and usher in legislations which are citizen-centric and cater to the requirements of a vibrant democracy, three laws have been enacted to overhaul the criminal justice system in the country, the Ministry of Law and Justice in a statement on Friday.
The legislations namely the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023; the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023, replace the earlier criminal laws the Indian Penal Code 1860, the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 and the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 respectively. As notified, these criminal laws are to take effect from July 1, 2024.
To promote awareness about these legislative enactments, particularly amongst the stakeholders and legal fraternity, the Ministry of Law and Justice is organising a conference titled ‘India’s Progressive Path in the Administration of Criminal Justice System’, at Dr Ambedkar International Centre, Janpath, New Delhi, on Saturday, April 20. The Chief Justice of India, Dr Justice DY Chandrachud would attend as the chief guest. The other dignitaries include Arjun Ram Meghwal, Minister of State (I/C) for Law and Justice, R. Venkataramani, Attorney General of India, Tushar Mehta, Solicitor General of India, Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Home Secretary, Government of India, among others.
The conference aims at bringing out the highlights of the three criminal laws and organise meaningful interactions through technical and Q&A sessions, the ministry said.
Besides, judges of various courts, advocates, academicians, representatives of law enforcement agencies, police officials, public prosecutors, district administration officials and law students are also participating in the conference, it said.
The day-long conference will have three technical sessions, one on each law. The inaugural session will shed light on the overarching objectives of the new criminal law triad, it added.
