Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced on December 11 that the government plans to withdraw three proposed criminal codes meant to replace outdated British-era laws. Instead, they will be substituted with three new Bills, incorporating changes suggested by a parliamentary committee. This decision comes in light of ongoing efforts to modernize legal frameworks. Alongside these, two additional Bills addressing reservation for women in the Assemblies of Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Puducherry will be presented in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday by Mr. Shah.
The three criminal codes in question—Bharatiya Sakshya Bill, 2023; Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Bill, 2023; and Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) Bill, 2023—were introduced in Parliament on August 11. Each aimed to replace the Indian Evidence Act, 1872; Indian Penal Code, 1860; and Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898, respectively. Following their introduction, these Bills were referred to the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs on August 18 for thorough consideration.
A note from Mr. Shah revealed that the committee engaged in multiple discussions with officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Law and Justice, domain experts, and various stakeholders. The committee submitted its reports, along with recommendations, on November 10.
Mr. Shah explained that, based on the committee’s recommendations, amendments to the three Bills were proposed. Consequently, the decision was made to introduce entirely new Bills in place of the existing ones. This approach aims to ensure that the proposed laws align better with the committee’s insights and contemporary legal needs.
The move to withdraw and replace these criminal codes reflects the government’s commitment to refining legal systems and addressing concerns raised during the parliamentary committee’s deliberations. It underscores the significance of a collaborative and consultative approach in shaping legislation that meets the evolving needs of society.