CONTEMPORARY RELEVANCE OF NEW CRIMINAL LAW -BALANCING JUSTICE AND REFORM
ABSTRACT:-In 2023, the Parliament of India has moved three highly consequential bills that are intended to replace the colonial criminal justice system: The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, to replace the Indian Penal Code; The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, to replace the Code of Criminal Procedure; and The Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023, to replace the Indian Evidence Act. These legislative changes are intended to ensure that the efficiency and transparency of the Indian legal system are preserved while also increasing its ability to deal with the challenges of unification and diversification in a dynamic society. The legislative changes bring in provisions that are focused on citizen-friendly policing, the use of technology in the investigative process, and the speedy delivery of justice without procedural delay. The changes also bring in provisions that strengthen the protection of women, children, and other vulnerable sections of society, including provisions that seek to reduce unnecessary arrests and give priority to compensation to victims. Minor offenses have also been decriminalized, allowing the judiciary and law enforcement agencies to focus more effectively on serious crimes. These changes are a major step towards better accountability and responsiveness, requiring the replacement of colonial language and the harmonization of legal provisions with the constitutional values of India and international standards. However, the achievement of these goals is critically dependent on effective implementation, training of staff, and cooperation between police departments, the judiciary, and government agencies. The above discussion highlights the broad objectives and possible implications of these criminal law reforms and provides a glimpse into their possible impact on the Indian legal and social landscape. Taken together, the newly enacted criminal laws signal a major shift towards an open, efficient, and responsive criminal justice system that is capable of dealing with the challenges of the contemporary world where justice, accountability, and social equity are placed at the forefront.
