India Set to Implement New Criminal Laws from July 1
Govt to Enforce Overhaul of Criminal Laws from July 1
June 3, 2025, New Delhi. The Indian government intends to reorganize the nation's criminal justice system starting July 1, 2024, as part of a major legal reform. The three fundamental laws governing criminal jurisprudence—the Indian Penal Code(IPC), the Code of Criminal Procedure(CrPC), and the Indian Evidence Act—will be formally superseded by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita(BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita(BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam(BSA).
By integrating
technological and digital advancements into the legal process, the new law aims
to enhance India's criminal justice system.
Regulations governing the admissibility of digital and electronic
records as evidence, the requirement for forensic assistance in cases of
serious crime, and digital processes such as video trials and e-FIRs are
examples of notable advancements.
By incorporating digital and technological innovations into
the legal process, the new law seeks to modernize India's criminal law system.
The use of electronic and digital records as valid evidence, mandatory forensic
support in serious crimes, and digital procedures like e-FIRs, video trials,
and online summonses are some of the noteworthy changes.
According to Ministry of Home Affairs officials, the reforms
aim to improve the justice delivery mechanism's efficiency, accountability, and
accessibility. A senior official stated, "The objective is to guarantee
quicker trials, minimize backlog, and make the system more
citizen-friendly."
Although some have expressed concerns regarding the
readiness of law enforcement agencies, legal experts and civil society
organizations have praised the action.
The upcoming rollout marks one of the most significant
changes to Indian criminal law since independence, signaling a shift toward a
more transparent and technology-driven legal system.
