Three new penal laws
Three new penal laws — the colonial-era Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Criminal Procedure Code (CRPC) and the Indian Evidence Act — have been promulgated by the central government to come into effect from July 1.
Three new penal laws : Introduced in Parliament during its Monsoon session in August last year, the laws are Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Saksha Adhiniyam (BSA), which replace the trio of IPC, CrPC, and Evidence Act, respectively, .
So what does the new law change? Here are some important points:
Sections: IPC had 511 Sections while its successor BNS has 358 departments. Similarly, CrPC has 484 sections and BNSS has 531 sections. The Evidence Act consists of 166 sections and the BSA consists of 170 sections.
Prohibition of Sedition: Sedition has been abolished, but treason resulting from armed revolution, sabotage and separatist activities is now a crime.
Three new penal laws “Any activity is considered treason only when it violates the integrity, sovereignty and unity of the nation, but not only because it is directed against the government. Anyone can say anything against the government, but if someone interferes with the country’s flag, security, or property, they will go to jail,” Union home minister Amit Shah explained in Parliament.
Terrorists and Terrorism: According to the law, persons who use dynamite, poisonous gases, etc. against the welfare of the country are considered terrorists. Terrorist activities are activities that threaten the security of the Indian government, a nation, a foreign government or an international government organization.
Trial in absentia: An accused hiding outside India need not be here. If the person concerned does not appear in court within 90 days, the proceedings will continue despite his absence. A prosecutor is appointed to handle the case.
Rape and sexual violence. Provisions for sexual harassment of girls below 18 years of age have been aligned with the POCSO Act to prevent the accused from taking advantage of the lenient provisions of the penal code. Rape of minors is punishable by life imprisonment or death. Forced rape is punishable by 20 years or life. Additionally, the laws have been made gender-neutral by including the trade of minor boys as a crime.
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