CALL NOW +91 – 8800110989 The Indian Government in a major step towards legal reforms started the transition from Indian Penal Code to Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023. IPC was a comprehensive code for covering criminal actions in India, it used to cover a wide range of offences, including theft, robbery, murder, rape, kidnapping, cheating, and forgery etc. The code was drafted way back in 1860 during the British colonial era and came into effect in 1862. It has been a pillar for India’s criminal justice system, however, in December 2023, after serving for 160 years a major criminal justice code, it was retired and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) was introduced. Considering the demand of modern India an overhaul of the criminal procedure code was required Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023 reflects a progressive approach to justice, addressing evolving societal norms and challenges. In this article we will delve deeper and explain the key highlights of the new criminal justice code of India.
A Modern Code for a Modern India: Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023 has been drafted considering modern India and its demands. In the fast changing world, globalization, easy cultural exchange, societal norms are changing fast and criminals have found new ways to commit crime, hence, major overhaul of IPC was needed. The New penal code BNS consists of only 358 Sections in comparison to 511 Sections of IPC, 1860. Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023 is a comprehensive overhaul designed to address the evolving needs of the country. Some of the key highlights
Embracing Cultural Sensitivity: Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023 is not only a simple change in the name but also it focused towards the cultural sensitivity of India. BNS 2023 acknowledges the cultural diversity, and focuses on our ancient fundamental of unity in diversity.
Modernization and Adaptation: With the transition from Indian Penal Code to Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, the government has shown that India is ready for transformation and to meet the growing needs of the modern world. This proactive approach to adaptability helps in encounters such as cybercrime, digital privacy, and gender-based violence.
Organized Structure Enhance Clarity: BNS 2023, offers organized structure, systematic arrangement of offenses. To better serve victims, the law prioritizes offenses against women, children, and murder by consolidating scattered provisions into a dedicated Chapter V, creating a more user-friendly code. This strategic reorganization aimed at improving clarity and efficiency in handling legal matters concerning offenses against individuals streamlining and consolidating legal provision for easier administration.
Clarity With Better Legal Language: In BNS there has been an effort made to simplify the legal language for example they have used the word “Child” instead of “minor” and “minor child under the age of eighteen years” used in IPC. This consistency and standardization helps in improving clarity without leaving any gray areas resulting in accurate implementation and easier application of law.
Technological Integration: In consideration of the use of technology in the modern world, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023 takes a comprehensive approach to use technology in dealing with offenses like cybercrime and digital offenses. It aims to tackle crimes like online harassment, data breaches, identity theft, cyber bullying and other cyber threats to make sure there is a competent legal framework for these digital crimes.
Restorative Justice Approach: The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023 stands in line with global trends by adopting restorative justice by prioritizing rehabilitation over punishment. And it take an approach for alternative dispute management offering offenders a path to reform and reintegration while fostering healing and closure for victims.
BNS Embraces Community Service: The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) of 2023 has expanded a significant shift in sentencing options. Now community service is added as a sentencing option, this option has been added under Section 4. This means for minor offenses committed by minors offenses, such as failing to appear in court, attempting self-harm to influence an official, petty theft followed by restitution, public intoxication, defamation, and a few others, may be ordered to perform community service in lieu of other penalties.
Conclusion: The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, brings the much needed reform in the Indian legislative system. The new penal code is progressive, foster inclusivity and improve the judicial system. As India transitions to this new legal framework, collaboration, and innovation is crucial to ensure the enduring spirit of justice for all citizens. With Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita India looks towards a more equitable and harmonious society for generations to come.
