Lok Sabha approved three criminal laws: the Bharatiya Nyaya (Second) Sanhita, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha (Second) Sanhita, and the Bharatiya Sakshya (Second) Bill

On Wednesday, the Lok Sabha approved three criminal laws: the Bharatiya Nyaya (Second) Sanhita, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha (Second) Sanhita, and the Bharatiya Sakshya (Second) Bill. The passage of these bills occurred amidst protests over a breach of Parliament security, with 97 Opposition MPs currently suspended from the Lower House.

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita is set to replace the Indian Penal Code-1860, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita will replace the CrPC of 1973, and the Bharatiya Sakshya Bill will replace the Indian Evidence Act of 1872.

According to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, these bills are grounded in three core principles: "A person's freedom, human rights, and impartiality," embodying the spirit of the original Indian Code of Justice.

Shah introduced the bills on Tuesday, highlighting key amendments during Wednesday's discussions. Under the revised laws, acknowledging a crime within 30 days will result in reduced punishment. The legislation prioritizes crimes against women/children, impact on the human body, and national security. Notably, victims' statements must be recorded online, and a fixed deadline for filing an FIR has been established.

Amit Shah emphasized the timely presentation of the investigation report and medical report, preventing delays in the legal process. The accused now have seven days to file a plea for acquittal, leading to a trial within 120 days. Additionally, the amended laws address financial challenges for those pursuing legal cases and introduce measures against organized crime, including cyber crimes, economic crimes, land grabbing, arms trade, dacoity, and human trafficking.

Amit Shah underscored that the new laws are "gender-neutral," "victim-centric," and "justice-centric" rather than being "punishment-centric."