To bring about fundamental changes in the legal system, new laws are being formulated to replace the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Criminal Procedure Code, and Indian Evidence Act. The new codes being introduced are the Nyaya Samhita, Sakshya Adhiniyam, and Nagarik Suraksha Samhita. The central government is making significant changes to end the era of British-era laws. These reforms include the introduction of Zero FIR, which allows for the filing of complaints with the police online from anywhere. New rules will also enable the sending of summons via SMS and mandate the videography of crime scenes.
These new laws aim to replace the existing ones, which have been in place for nearly 163 years. They include a proper definition of terrorism, the removal of the term “sedition,” and the introduction of “treason” in the Nyaya Samhita. The central government believes these changes will help resolve crimes more quickly and prioritize delivering justice over punishment. The new laws are being introduced with complete amendments, ensuring justice for all, and have been created by Indians, setting aside the British-era laws.
For criminal cases, the law now mandates that trials be completed and judgments delivered within 45 days, and charge sheets must be filed within 60 days. The statement of sexual assault victims must be recorded by a female police officer in the presence of family members. Additionally, medical reports of the victims must be provided within seven days, and the trafficking of children is considered a severe crime. Gang rape of minors could result in life imprisonment or the death penalty.
The new framework reduces the number of sections from 511 to 358 and eliminates 18 sections. Evidence will be stored in a national DigiLocker. All police stations across the country will be connected via the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network, allowing for the online submission of evidence. Strict regulations will be in place for those who deceive women by making false promises of marriage and establishing sexual relations. Under the new laws, victims of crimes against women will be able to receive updates on the progress of their cases within 90 days. To reduce delays in the trial of criminal cases, courts are limited to granting a maximum of two adjournments. Police will also have the authority to seize the assets, both movable and immovable, of those accused of financial crimes.