The Indian Civil Protection Code, Indian Justice Code and Indian Evidence Act will come into force in the country from July 1. The central government has issued a notification in this regard on Saturday. All three laws got the approval of Parliament on 21 December last year and President Draupadi Murmu gave his assent on 25 December.
According to three similar notifications issued by the Union Home Ministry, the provisions of the new laws will come into effect from July 1. These laws will replace the centuries-old Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure and the Indian Evidence Act of 1872 respectively. The aim of these three laws is to completely change the criminal justice system in the country by defining various crimes and their punishments.
The new laws aim to completely overhaul many laws dating back to the British era by providing a clear definition of terrorism, abolishing sedition and introducing a new section called Offenses against the State along with several other changes. Have to change.
The bill was introduced during the monsoon session last year
Regarding these three laws, the government had introduced the bill during the monsoon session of Parliament last year. After being presented in Parliament, it was also sent to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs. After incorporating several recommendations made by the committee, it was passed in the winter session of Parliament.
Important points of the new law-
1- Indian Judicial Code, 2023: Will replace the Indian Penal Code, 1860. Sedition has been removed but a new provision has been introduced to punish separatism, rebellion and persons acting against the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India. There is a provision for death penalty for gang rape and mob lynching of minors.
2- Indian Civil Defense Code, 2023: It will replace CrPC, 1973. In this, there is a provision to give decision within 30 days of completion of investigation, hearing and debate in the cases within the stipulated time. Video recording of statements of sexual harassment victims has been made mandatory. Along with this, a new provision has been added for confiscation of property after being found involved in a crime.
3- Indian Evidence Act, 2023: This law will replace the Indian Evidence Act, 1872. Evidence presented and admissible in courts includes electronic or digital records, emails, server logs, computers, smartphones, laptops, SMS, websites, local evidence, mail, messages from devices. All records including case diary, FIR, charge sheet and judgment will be digitized. Electronic or digital records shall have the same legal effect, validity and enforceability as paper records.
Section 106(2) of the Indian Judicial Code has been kept in abeyance
Section 106(2) of BNS – The provision of punishment up to 10 years for causing death by rash or negligent driving and fleeing without informing the police/magistrate will not be applicable now. As per the assurance given by the Center to the truck driver associations last month, Section 106(2) of the Indian Judicial Code has been kept in abeyance.