'Govt Don't Want Democracy To Continue': Kapil Sibal Calls Proposed Law Reforms 'Unconstitutional'

Targeting the Bharatiya Janata Party led ruling National Democratic Alliance, Sibal said the Centre wanted to bring dictatorship in the country. 

Former Law Minister Kapil Sibal said the new bills were unconstitutional

Source : PTI File Photo

Former Law Minister Kapil Sibal on Sunday alleged that the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill, which seeks to replace the colonial-era Indian Penal Code (IPC) allows the use of “draconian police powers for political ends.” On Friday the Centre introduced three bills in Lok Sabha to replace the Indian Penal Code, Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), and Indian Evidence Act. The bill also proposes, among other things, repeal of sedition laws and introducing a new provision with a wider definition of the offence. 

Targeting the Bharatiya Janata Party led ruling National Democratic Alliance, Sibal said it wanted to bring dictatorship in the country. 

"They (NDA government) talk about ending colonial era laws, but they want to bring dictatorship in the country. They want to make laws that would allow them to act against judges, public servants, and other government officials," he said. 

"I would like to advise judges to be careful. These bills will push the country into darkness," he added. 

VIDEO | "They (NDA government) talk about ending colonial era laws, but they want to bring dictatorship in the country. They want to make laws that would allow them to act against judges, public servants, and other government officials," says Rajya Sabha MP @KapilSibal. pic.twitter.com/p8cE8hiw5b

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 13, 2023

He questioned the intent behind bringing this law and asked whether Home Minister Amit Shah has even seen the bill. 

Union Home Minister Amit Shah introduced the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Bill, 2023; Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) Bill, 2023 to replace the CrPC; and Bharatiya Sakshya (BS) Bill, 2023 that will replace the Indian Evidence Act.

"Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (2023) (BNS) allows for using draconian police powers for political ends." "BNS: Allows for police custody from 15 up to 60 or 90 days. New offences for prosecuting persons who threaten the security of state (redefined). Agenda: To silence opponents," Sibal said in a tweet.