India’s criminal law underwent major reforms with the enactment of three new laws in 2023, replacing colonial-era statutes. These changes modernise the justice system, effective from July 1, 2024.
Key Reforms
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, replaces the Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860, retaining most offences while adding 20 new ones like terrorism, organized crime (e.g., kidnapping, cybercrime by syndicates), and mob lynching (murder by five or more on grounds of caste, race, or belief). It introduces community service for petty crimes, increases penalties for 33 offences, and removes sedition, replacing it with provisions against acts endangering sovereignty or unity.
Procedural Changes
The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023 replaces the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1973, emphasizing timelines for investigations and trials, including mandatory forensics for serious cases and tech like e-FIRs. The Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), 2023 updates the Indian Evidence Act, 1872, recognizing digital evidence.
Implementation Status
As of 2026, these laws are fully operational, with training for police and goals for time-bound justice by 2029. They aim for victim-centric, tech-driven processes but face critiques on overlaps with special laws and definitions like terrorism.