The new criminal laws allow a person to report an incident via electronic methods without the need to physically visit a police station, allowing for quicker and much more convenient method of reporting crimes.
The three new criminal laws — Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023 and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam 2023– came into force on Monday, July 1, bringing sweeping changes in India’s criminal justice system as they replaced the British-era Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure and the Indian Evidence Act, respectively.
The new criminal laws allow a person to report an incident via electronic methods without the need to physically visit a police station, allowing for quicker and much more convenient method of reporting crimes, facilitating prompt action by the cops.
Here’s all you need to know about some of the key features of the new criminal laws:
Zero FIR
The new laws have introduced Zero FIR, which essentially does away with the concept of jurisdiction, means that one can file a First Information Report (FIR) at any police station across the country.
The Zero FIR introduces a revolutionary change in the way crimes are reported as it ensures that an offence is reported immediately, which facilitate prompt legal proceedings.
Now, file FIR via electronic methods, complainant to receive copy
The new laws had made it easier and faster to file a police complaint as the complainant can now do so via electronic methods without having to physically visit the police station.
The complainant will also receive a free copy of the FIR, boosting transparency and allowing participation in the legal process.
Rights of arrested person
Another major step which boosts transparent policing is the right granted to an arrested person to inform an individual of their choice about their situation, ensuring immediate support and assistance to the arrested individual.
The new laws also mandate that arrest details be prominently displayed within police stations and district headquarters, allowing families and friends of the arrested person easy access to important information.
Mandatory videography of crime scenes
The new criminal laws have made it mandatory for the police to videograph the evidence collection process at crime scenes in order to prevent any tampering of evidence.
Additionally, it is also now mandatory for forensics teams to visit visit crime scenes for serious offences and collect evidence.
Priority investigations for crimes against women, children
Under the new laws, investigations in crimes against women and children have been prioritised to ensure timely delivery of justice, as the probes now need to completed within a period of two months.
To ensure transparency, victims are entitled to regular updates on the progress of their case within 90 days, thus keeping them informed about the progress of their case and involving them in the legal process.
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