Lok Sabha: Amit Shah Introduces Bills To Repeal Sedition, Overhaul 'Colonial-Era' Criminal Laws

Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill: Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Amit Shah said the laws that would be repealed were formed to safeguard and strengthen the British.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday introduced three bills for the overhaul of "colonial-era" criminal laws, including repealing the controversial sedition law. The three bills that will replace Indian Penal Code, Criminal Procedure Act and Indian Evidence Act are Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Bill and Bharatiya Sakshya Bill respectively.

"The three Bills that I am moving today include the principle law for criminal justice system. One is Indian Penal Code which was formed in 1860, second is Criminal Procedure Code which was formed in 1898 and third is Indian Evidence Act, which was formed in 1872. The sedition law will be completely repealed," Shah said.

"From 1860 to 2023, the country's criminal justice system functioned as per the laws made by the British. The three laws will be replaced and there will be a major change in the criminal justice system in the country," the Home Minister said.

READ | Sedition Law To Be Abolished, Amit Shah Says In Lok Sabha

Ami Shah said the bill had stringent punishment for organised crime. There is a provision for attachment of property of proclaimed offenders.

Shah said cases filed under sections that provide for seven years or a greater jail term would require visit by forensic teams to the crime scene. "This will reduce the chances of acquittal of the culprits," Shah said. He also said videography would be mandatory while collecting evidence.

Court proceedings will be digitised and trials will be done through video conferencing. Before 2027, all the courts of the country will be computerised, Shah said.

The Union Minister said videography of victim's statement in sexual violence case and statement in sexual harassment case would be made mandatory.

"Crime against women and children was given 302nd position (in prevalent laws) despite that no other crime can be more heinous. We are changing this approach, and the first chapter will now be crime against women and children," Shah further said.

Under the new bill, charge sheet will have to be filed within 90 days from lodging of complaint. Investigation will have to be completed within 180 days in all cases. The judge will have to give his verdict within 30 days of framing of charges.