The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (Indian Penal Code), often hailed as a cornerstone of Indian legal framework, stands as a testament to the nation’s commitment to justice, equity, and progress
Amit Pandey
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (Indian Penal Code), often hailed as a cornerstone of Indian legal framework, stands as a testament to the nation’s commitment to justice, equity, and progress. Enacted on 6th October 1860 during the British colonial rule, the IPC has undergone several amendments and revisions, reflecting the evolving societal norms, values, and legal principles of India.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has set July 1, 2024 as the implementation date for the new criminal laws, replacing the existing Indian Penal Code, Criminal Procedure Code, and Indian Evidence Act. These laws, known as “Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita”, “Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita”, and “Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam “, aim to modernize the Indian criminal justice system and include provisions for electronic records, forensic examination, videography of crime scenes, and digital summons.
The government has faced some opposition from various quarters, such as legal experts, civil society groups, and opposition parties, who have raised concerns over the constitutional validity, procedural fairness, and human rights implications of some of the changes. However, the government has also received support from some quarters, such as legal scholars, law enforcement agencies, and human rights activists, who have praised the reforms as a step towards making India’s criminal justice system more efficient, transparent, and accountable.
The need for a comprehensive penal code in India arose during the colonial period, characterized by diverse legal systems prevalent across princely states and territories. The British East India Company recognized the necessity for uniformity and codification to streamline the administration of justice and ensure effective governance.
The IPC was envisioned not only as a tool for maintaining law and order but also as a means to safeguard individual rights and liberties. Its primary objectives included. The IPC aimed to consolidate the scattered laws and customs prevalent in different regions into a single, comprehensive code applicable throughout British India.
By clearly defining offenses and prescribing corresponding punishments, the IPC sought to bring clarity and certainty to the legal system, reducing ambiguity and arbitrariness. It sought to protect the fundamental rights of individuals, ensuring fair treatment, due process, and access to justice for all citizens, irrespective of caste, creed, or social status. Through a judicious balance of punitive measures and rehabilitative interventions, the IPC aimed to deter criminal behavior while offering opportunities for reform and rehabilitation.
They will reduce the pendency of cases and expedite the disposal of criminal cases by providing for timely and proper investigation, prosecution, and trial.
They will enhance the quality of evidence and ensure its admissibility by providing for mandatory forensic examination of the crime scene in offences punishable with seven years or more.
They will facilitate access to justice and protect the rights of victims and witnesses by providing for digital summons and videography of crime scenes.
Few countries in the previous has amended their law as
Singapore, which has become a venue for hearing cases before the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS), an international body for the settlement of disputes relating to the law of the sea. This marks a milestone in Asia’s engagement with international law.
Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Singapore, which have acquired a judicial character that is distinctively outward-looking and global by using foreign citations in their reported opinions. This reflects their adaptation to international standards and norms.
Though India is emerging in the same way but it has a many unanswered challenges because misappropriation of law in owns favour is not a new thing , it is happening from last many decades after we achieved a position.
They will require adequate resources and capacity building for implementing the new provisions effectively and efficiently.They will require careful balancing of competing interests and values in ensuring fair trial and due process rights.They will require constant monitoring and evaluation of their impact on reducing crime rates and improving public trust in the criminal justice system.
One way is to strengthen the judicial system and ensure that the BNS is applied consistently and impartially by the courts. The BNS introduces some new offences, such as acts endangering the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India, and community service as a form of punishment. It also increases penalties for several offences, such as rape, murder, and terrorism. Therefore, it is important to have adequate judicial resources, training, and accountability to handle the increased caseload and ensure fair trials.
Another way is to promote legal awareness and reform among the citizens and stakeholders. The BNS aims to provide a more comprehensive and humane criminal law that reflects the values and aspirations of India. It also seeks to balance the rights and duties of individuals and society, and to address the root causes of crime rather than just punishing it. Therefore, it is important to educate and empower the people to understand their legal rights and responsibilities, and to encourage constructive dialogue and resolution of conflict.
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, in its journey spanning over a century and a half, has emerged as a cornerstone of Indian criminal justice reform, embodying the nation’s commitment to the rule of law, equality, and justice for all. While it has made significant strides in addressing societal challenges and safeguarding individual rights, the IPC continues to evolve in response to changing dynamics and aspirations, reaffirming its relevance and resilience in the pursuit of a more just and equitable society. As India marches forward into the future, the IPC stands as a beacon of hope and progress, guiding the nation towards a brighter and more inclusive tomorrow.
