look news india
Three new criminal laws will come into force across the country from July 1, bringing major changes to India's criminal justice system. The Indian Judicial Code, the Indian Civil Defence Code and the Indian Evidence Act will replace the British-era Indian Penal Code, the Code of Criminal Procedure and the Indian Evidence Act, respectively. The new law will set up a modern judicial system with provisions such as 'zero FIRs', filing police complaints online, sending summons through 'SMS' (mobile phone messages) and mandatory videography of all heinous crimes.
Now there will be 358 sections in the Indian Penal Code
earlier there were 511 sections and now there will be 358 sections. Basically, the 'overlap' sections have been merged and simplified. Due to which there will be only 358 sections as compared to 511 sections of the Indian Penal Code.
Case registered under 'Zero FIR'
Zero FIR will be registered in any police station, even if the crime has not occurred in its jurisdiction. This will eliminate the delay in starting legal proceedings and the case can be registered immediately.
The decision will come within 45 days
Under the new laws, the verdict in criminal cases will come within 45 days of the completion of the trial and charges will be framed within 60 days of the first hearing. A woman police officer will record the statement of the rape victim in the presence of her relative and the medical report will have to be submitted within 7 days. Videography of heinous crimes will be mandatory. Sedition has been replaced by treason.
Buying and selling children will be a heinous crime
A new chapter has been added to crimes against women and children. Child trafficking has been made a heinous crime and rape of a minor is punishable with death or life imprisonment.
Report will be filed through electronic communication
Under the new laws, now any person will be able to file a report through electronic communication i.e. SMS without going to the police station. This will make filing a case easier and faster. An interesting aspect related to the new law is that in case of arrest, the person has been given the right to inform any person of his choice about his situation. This will provide immediate assistance to the arrested person.
The investigation will be completed in 2 months
The new laws prioritise the investigation of crimes against women and children, ensuring that investigations are completed within 2 months of the filing of a case. Under the new laws, victims will have the right to receive regular updates on the progress of their case within 90 days.
The new laws will provide free basic treatment to victims of crimes against women and children in all hospitals. To provide timely justice, courts can adjourn the case a maximum of two times to avoid unnecessary delay in hearing the case.
