New Delhi: Chief Justice DY Chandrachud hailed the implementation of three new criminal laws on July 1 as a significant milestone for Indian society, marking a crucial step towards modernising the justice system.
Speaking at an event attended by Law Minister Arjun Meghwal, CJI Chandrachud described the implementation of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023, as a forward-moving journey in managing the criminal justice system.
According to the Chief Justice, these new legislations will play a pivotal role in identifying and addressing the loopholes in the criminal justice system. The laws aim to digitise various procedural aspects of the criminal justice system, revolutionising the way it operates.
From the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) to the final judgement, these laws will digitally document each phase of a criminal investigation, ensuring a more efficient and transparent process, as per CJI Chandrachud.
He further emphasised that the enactment of these laws by Parliament reflects India’s evolving legal landscape and the need for new legal mechanisms to tackle contemporary challenges.
The new statutes are designed to facilitate seamless information flow and enhance collaboration and coordination among stakeholders involved in investigations and adjudications.
Speaking at the CBI Raising Day, the CJI lauded these new criminal laws as a significant stride towards modernising the justice system and digitising criminal proceedings.
The introduction of electronic summonses and virtual testimonies will eliminate the need for physical documentation and improve communication between law enforcement agencies, courts, and legal practitioners.
CJI Chandrachud also highlighted that these advancements will expedite the issuance of bail orders to prison authorities and streamline the process of recording witness statements.
The conference aims to enhance understanding of these new criminal legislations, which are set to replace the Indian Penal Code 1860, the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, and the Indian Evidence Act, 1872.
