The three new criminal laws, which were passed by the Parliament to replace the colonial-era Indian Penal Code (IPC), will come into effect from July 1, 2024, the government said on Saturday.
The three laws got the Parliament's approval on December 21 last year and President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent on December 25.
According to three identical notifications issued by the Union Home Ministry, provisions of the new laws will come into force from July 1.
The laws will replace the colonial-era Indian Penal Code, the Code of Criminal Procedure and the Indian Evidence Act of 1872 respectively.
The three legislations aim at completely overhauling the criminal justice system in the country by giving definitions of various offences and their punishments.
Watershed moment, says PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, last year on the passage of the new criminal bills, termed it a watershed moment in the history.
"The passage of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 is a watershed moment in our history. These Bills mark the end of colonial-era laws. A new era begins with laws centered on public service and welfare," Prime Minister Modi wrote on X.
"These transformative Bills are a testament to India's commitment to reform. They bring our legal, policing, and investigative systems into the modern era with a focus on technology and forensic science. These Bills ensure enhanced protection for the poor, marginalised, and vulnerable sections of our society," the Prime Minister said.
"At the same time, these Bills come down heavily on organised crime, terrorism and such offences which strike at the root of our peaceful journey to progress. Through them, we have also bid goodbye to the outdated sections on sedition," he added.
"In our Amrit Kaal, these legal reforms redefine our legal framework to be more relevant and empathy-driven," PM Modi mentioned.
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