New Criminal laws take effect from today; Here's everything you should know
Babushahi Bureau
New Delhi, July 1, 2024: Starting July 1, the three new criminal laws will take effect nationwide, reshaping the legal landscape in India by replacing the British-era criminal laws.
The Indian Parliament has passed the Criminal Procedure (Identification) Act, 2022, and the Criminal Laws (Amendment) Act, 2023, which aim to:
1. Enhance the investigation and prosecution of crimes
2. Strengthen the justice system
3. Protect victims and witnesses
4. Increase the punishment for certain offenses, such as rape and child sexual abuse
5. Introduce new offenses, like cyberstalking and voyeurism
6. Improve forensic investigation and evidence collection
7. Enhance the use of technology in investigations and trials
Here are some key changes and amendments made to the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) in recent years:
IPC:
1. Section 326A: Introduced to punish acid attack perpetrators.
2. Section 354A: Defines sexual harassment and punishment.
3. Section 376(1)(d): Increased punishment for gang rape.
4. Section 377: Decriminalized consensual same-sex relationships.
5. Section 498A: Strengthened laws against domestic violence.
6. Section 509: Punishment for insulting a woman's modesty.
CrPC:
1. Section 154: Mandatory registration of FIR in cases of cognizable offenses.
2. Section 161: Statements recorded by police during investigation.
3. Section 164: Recording of confessions and statements.
4. Section 357: Compensation to victims and their families.
5. Section 372: Provisions for victim compensation schemes.
6. Section 460: Power to summon witnesses and documents.