New criminal laws: As the new criminal laws take effect today (July 1), across the country replacing the colonial-era legislation, the first case under these new laws has reportedly been registered in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. Let's learn about what's the case and what happened.
The three new criminal laws the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam replaced the British-era Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, and the Indian Evidence Act, respectively. These changes are said to mark a move towards a more modern and efficient justice system in India.
First case registered in Bhopal
A probable first case under the new law in Madhya Pradesh was registered at the Nishatpura police station in Bhopal. The incident, involving assault and abuse was reported at 12:05 am at the Nishatpura police station in Bhopal. An FIR was filed under the new law at 12:20 am in relation to this incident.
What has changed in new criminal laws?
Under the Indian Penal Code IPC, before July 1, 2024, Section 323 dealt with assault, Section 294 with obscenity, and Section 327 with mischief. Now, under the Indian Justice System BNS, assault is covered under Section 115, obscenity under Section 296, and mischief under Section 119.
Police prepared for the new law
According to information, at 12:00 am in the Nishatpura police station area, the accused allegedly committed assault, obscenity, and mischief against complainant Bhairav Sahu, leading to the police registering a case under the new law. The station in-charge provided full details, stating that the police in Madhya Pradesh have prepared for the new law."
It is pertinent to mention that the three new criminal laws were passed by the Indian Parliament on December 21, 2023, which received Presidential assent on December 25, 2023, and were published in the official gazette on the same day. The Ministry of Home Affairs notified in February that the three laws shall come into force on July 1, 2024. As the new criminal laws are set to be implemented from July 1, all 17,500 police stations across the country will hold special events to inform women, youth, students, senior citizens, and eminent personalities about the key features of these laws.
