New Delhi : Lok Sabha on Wednesday passed three criminal law bills seeking to comprehensively change the criminal justice system and replacing age-old legislations, including two introduced in the British era.
The Bharatiya Nyaya (Second) Sanhita 2023, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha (Second) Sanhita 2023 and Bharatiya Sakshya Bill 2023 were passed by the House through voice vote.
The Bills seek to repeal and replace the Indian Penal Code 1860, Code of Criminal Procedure 1973 and the Indian Evidence Act 1872.
Replying to the discussion of the bills, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the three criminal bills will bring comprehensive changes in the criminal justice system and free the citizens from the colonial mindset.
“We are about to eradicate all signs of the shackles of our colonial past and of our slavery and create completely Indian criminal laws”.
Shah added that these laws embody the spirit of the Constitution of India, which is the spirit of justice, and will fulfil another promise made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“The motive of the Indian Penal Code was to give punishment, not justice” said Shah.
The Home Minister had introduced the bills in monsoon session of Parliament, but they were later referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee of Home Affairs.
Last month, the panel submitted its reports on the proposed bills, suggesting various changes.
