Impact of BNS, BNSS, and BSA on Modernizing Criminal Justice Procedures
The three new legislation introduced are Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA); the latter two would replace the colonial-era Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), and the Indian Evidence Act (IEA) respectively. These would, therefore, polish the criminal justice system by being more efficient, fair, and aligned with the contemporary needs of society. [amnesty.org](https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2024/07/the-laws-in-their-current-form-will-be-used-as-pretext-to-violate-the-rights-of-all-those-who-dare-speak-truth-to-power/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
**Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS): Replacing the Indian Penal Code**
The BNS aims to transform India’s substantive criminal law. Several key changes emerge from the BNS, including:
Decriminalizing certain offenses: BNS removed the offenses that were once considered minor, such as defamation of certain kinds, thereby bringing relief from the judicial system and utilizing the resources on other major crimes. [pwc.in](https://www.pwc.in/ghost-templates/revamping-indias-criminal-justice-system-bns-bnss-and-bsb.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
– **More Strong Provisions Against Crimes on Women:** It will make better law and provision concerning sexual assault, domestic violence, and human trafficking against women for protection and delivery of justice. ([ijlsi.com](https://ijlsi.com/wp-content/uploads/Navigating-Legal-Changes-in-BNS-BNSS-and-BSA-2023.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
– **Harsh Penalties to Habitual Offenders:** The BNS is bound to deliver tougher punishments for repeat offenders for the same offense; it deters habitual crimes. ([ijlsi.com](https://ijlsi.com/wp-content/uploads/Navigating-Legal-Changes-in-BNS-BNSS-and-BSA-2023.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
– **Simplified Judicial Procedures:** The law will expedite the hearing of cases through defined timelines and procedures in place to avoid prolongation of proceedings that have long been associated with the system. ([ijlsi.com](https://ijlsi.com/wp-content/uploads/Navigating-Legal-Changes-in-BNS-BNSS-and-BSA-2023.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
**Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS): Code of Criminal Procedure Replaced**
– **Online FIR Registration:** The BNSS facilitates online FIR registrations, making it easier for citizens to report crimes and ensuring that law enforcement agencies will respond well and quickly. ([lingayasvidyapeeth.edu.in](https://www.lingayasvidyapeeth.edu.in/what-is-the-transformative-impact-of-indias-new-criminal-laws/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
– **Protection of Victims and Witnesses:** The legislation has measures to protect victims and witnesses, which include all safety and privacy guarantees, to make more people come out without fear of retribution. ([lingayasvidyapeeth.edu.in](https://www.lingayasvidyapeeth.edu.in/what-is-the-transformative-impact-of-indias-new-criminal-laws/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
– **Speedy Trials:** BNSS highlights the importance of speedy trials. It ensures that deadlines are set for each stage of the judicial process to avoid prolonged detention and ensure that justice is delivered without delay. ([lingayasvidyapeeth.edu.in](https://www.lingayasvidyapeeth.edu.in/what-is-the-transformative-impact-of-indias-new-criminal-laws/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
– **Use of Technology:** The code encourages the use of technology in investigations and trials, such as digital evidence collection and virtual hearings, to improve efficiency and transparency. ([lingayasvidyapeeth.edu.in](https://www.lingayasvidyapeeth.edu.in/what-is-the-transformative-impact-of-indias-new-criminal-laws/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
**Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA): Replacing the Indian Evidence Act**
– **Admissibility of Electronic Evidence:** The BSA recognizes electronic records as admissible evidence, acknowledging the growing role of digital information in modern society. ([ijlsi.com](https://ijlsi.com/wp-content/uploads/Navigating-Legal-Changes-in-BNS-BNSS-and-BSA-2023.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
– **Forensic Evidence Standards:** The legislation sets standards for the collection and preservation of forensic evidence, ensuring its integrity and reliability in court proceedings. ([ijlsi.com](https://ijlsi.com/wp-content/uploads/Navigating-Legal-Changes-in-BNS-BNSS-and-BSA-2023.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
– **Expert Testimony:** BSA clearly defines the admissibility of expert testimony by curtailing undue advantage of unqualified experts and only admitting authentic and relevant information in Court. ([ijlsi.com](https://ijlsi.com/wp-content/uploads/Navigating-Legal-Changes-in-BNS-BNSS-and-BSA-2023.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
– **Witness Examination:** The code has provisions for video conferencing for examination of witnesses and thereby minimizes the need for physical appearance and results in an effective process. ([ijlsi.com](https://ijlsi.com/wp-content/uploads/Navigating-Legal-Changes-in-BNS-BNSS-and-BSA-2023.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
**Impact on Modernizing Criminal Justice Procedures
The BNS, BNSS, and BSA are all indicative of a radical change in India’s approach to criminal justice.
– **Greater Efficiency:** It is intended to reduce the judicial system’s pendency and delay by making the procedures streamlined and incorporating technology so that justice will be delivered promptly. ([lingayasvidyapeeth.edu.in](https://www.lingayasvidyapeeth.edu.in/what-is-the-transformative-impact-of-indias-new-criminal-laws/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
– **Access to Justice:** The decriminalization of minor offenses and the availability of online FIR registration will allow citizens to better engage with the legal system, thereby enhancing access to justice. ([lingayasvidyapeeth.edu.in](https://www.lingayasvidyapeeth.edu.in/what-is-the-transformative-impact-of-indias-new-criminal-laws/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
– **Vulnerable Groups’ Protection:** Enhanced provisions for crimes against women and the protection of victims and witnesses indicate a commitment to the protection of vulnerable groups and encouraging them to participate in the legal process. ([ijlsi.com](https://ijlsi.com/wp-content/uploads/Navigating-Legal-Changes-in-BNS-BNSS-and-BSA-2023.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
– **Alignment with International Standards:** These laws, by adopting modern practices and standards, bring India’s criminal justice system closer to international norms, thereby fostering greater trust and cooperation in the global legal community. ([chambers.com](https://chambers.com/legal-trends/highlights-of-indias-new-criminal-laws?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
**Challenges and Considerations**
While these reforms are a positive step forward, several challenges remain:
– **Implementation:** The successful implementation of these laws requires significant training for law enforcement and judicial personnel, as well as the development of infrastructure to support new procedures. ([newindianexpress.com](https://www.newindianexpress.com/web-only/2024/Jul/02/new-criminal-laws-signal-end-of-colonial-hangover-but-challenges-await?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
– **Public Awareness:** Educating the public about the changes in the legal framework is crucial to ensure that citizens are aware of their rights and responsibilities under the new laws. ([newindianexpress.com](https://www.newindianexpress.com/web-only/2024/Jul/02/new-criminal-laws-signal-end-of-colonial-hangover-but-challenges-await?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
-The reforms require continuous monitoring and evaluation to measure their effectiveness and provide for adjustments where necessary to counter the emerging challenges. [newindianexpress.com](https://www.newindianexpress.com/web-only/2024/Jul/02/new-criminal-laws-signal-end-of-colonial-hangover-but-challenges-await?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
Conclusion: The passage of the BNS, BNSS, and the BSA
