New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday introduced three bills in the Lok Sabha to replace the IPC, Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), and the Indian Evidence Act.
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita will supplant the 1860 Indian Penal Code, while the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita is set to take the place of thereplace the Code of Criminal Procedure. Additionally, the Bharatiya Sakshya will replace the Indian Evidence Act. All three of these replacements are currently under the examination of a Standing Committee.
Among the updates to the laws, a fresh provision has been introduced pertaining to acts of secession, armed rebellion, subversive activities, separatist endeavors, or any actions that might jeopardize the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India.
Union Home Minister further announced that the government will be incorporating a capital punishment provision in cases involving mob lynching. The forthcoming legislation also outlines penalties such as imprisonment ranging from 20 years to life for instances of gang rape, as well as the death penalty for the rape of a minor.
The upcoming bill places a significant emphasis on enacting laws that address crimes against women and children, cases of homicide, and acts categorized as “offences against the state.”
Introducing a novel approach, community service will now be among the penalties for petty offences.
Furthermore, a move towards gender neutrality has been initiated in the realm of offenses. To effectively address concerns regarding organized crime and acts of terrorism, the legislation has introduced new provisions related to terrorist acts and organized criminal activities, carrying substantial punitive measures.
A notable aspect of this legal reform is the augmentation of fines and penalties associated with various transgressions.
Offences such as separatism and waging war against the country are defined as separate offences. A provision has bee brought in to try absconding criminals such as Dawood Ibrahim in absentia.
The offence of sedition was covered by the Indian Penal Code (IPC) under Section 124A.