Madras Bar Association Passes Resolution Against Hindi Names Of IPC, CrPC And IEA

Madras Bar Association has passed a resolution expressing its displeasure over Hindi names of proposed three new bills to replace existing criminal laws in the country.

Mardras Bar Association passes resolution over Hindi names of new criminal laws.

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The Madras Bar Association has passed a resolution expressing its objection over the Hindi names of the proposed new criminal laws replacing the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) and Evidence Acts. The association has opposed the naming of Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita Bill, 2023; Bharatiya Nyaya Sanita Bill, 2023 and Bharatiya Sakshya Bill, 2023 in Hindi by replacing the Indian Penal Code 1860, Criminal Procedure of Code 1973, and Evidence Act 1872, a resolution shared by the news agency ANI said.

As per the resolution, after discussion and deliberation, the Extraordinary General Body Meeting of the Madras Bar Association held on 23rd August 2023, passed the following resolution:-

"It is resolved unanimously that the Madras Bar Association expresses its objection and anguish over the naming of the Bills

1. Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill, 2023

2. Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita Bill, 2023

3. Bharatiya Sakhshya Bill, 2023 in Hindi by replacing the Indian Penal Code 1860, Criminal Procedure Code 1973 & Evidence Acts 1872 and the same is against the Provisions of the Constitution of India and it is further resolved that the suggestions/views for the said Bills will be sent shortly to the Minister of Law, Government of India with a request to re-consider and restore the original names of the aforesaid Acts."

Notably, on the last day of the monsoon session of Parliament, Union Home Minister Amit Shah introduced three bills for the overhaul of "colonial-era" criminal laws, including repealing the controversial sedition law. The three bills that will replace the 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 the criminal justice system. One is the Indian Penal Code which was formed in 1860, second is the Criminal Procedure Code which was formed in 1898 and the third is the Indian Evidence Act, which was formed in 1872. The sedition law will be completely repealed," Shah said in Lok Sabha.

"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.