The story so far: The Centre on August 11 introduced three new Bills in the Lok Sabha that propose a complete overhaul of the country’s criminal justice system. The three Bills are set to replace the Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860; the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1973 and the Indian Evidence Act, 1872.
The IPC, which was introduced by the British in the year 1860, has been the bedrock of India’s criminal justice system for more than 160 years. It is set to be replaced by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. The CrPC of 1973 will be replaced by the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 whereas the Indian Evidence Act of 1872 will be replaced by the Bharatiya Sakshya Bill, 2023.
“From 1860 to 2023, the country’s criminal justice system functioned as per the laws made by the British. With these three laws there will be a major change in the criminal justice system in the country”— Home Minister Amit Shah said while introducing the three new legislations. He also said that the Bills have been referred to a Parliamentary Standing Committee for approval.
