From July 1, three new criminal laws have come into force in India: the Indian Judicial Code, the Indian Civil Defense Code, and the Indian Evidence Act. These new laws will apply only to cases registered from July 1 onward, while cases registered before this date will continue to be tried under the old laws. The introduction of these laws brings significant changes to the functioning of the police, lawyers, courts, and affects the general public. Some sections from the old laws have been removed and new sections have been added.
Former Maharashtra DGP Sanjeev Dayal has expressed his views on these changes. He stated that the new criminal laws will bring about significant positive changes, particularly in reducing crimes against women, such as rape, molestation, and child trafficking. Dayal emphasized that the inclusion of scientific assistance in investigations will aid in securing convictions and reduce the time taken in court proceedings, thereby providing faster justice to victims. He mentioned that in 2020, the Public Concern for Governance Trust (PCGT) had formed a committee of senior police officers, including Satish Sahni, M.R. Reddy, the late SS Puri, and himself, to recommend changes to the criminal justice system to prioritize victims. He is pleased to see these recommendations now being codified and believes that it is now the responsibility of agencies and courts to implement them effectively.
Former CBI Director Subodh Kumar Jaiswal also shared his opinion, highlighting that the new laws represent a shift towards a people-centric approach to justice. He believes these laws will ensure justice is delivered accurately, timely, and speedily, making the Indian criminal justice system more victim-friendly and justice-oriented. Jaiswal also pointed out that the new laws address challenges posed by cybercrimes.
Similarly, former Maharashtra DGP A.N. Roy remarked that the newly implemented criminal laws are more victim-centric compared to the old British-era Indian Penal Code. He noted that the Indian Justice Code includes provisions aimed at providing timely justice to women and children, with increased punishments for such cases. The new laws focus on national security and the review of digital and electronic evidence, making them citizen-friendly and capable of providing timely justice.
