Chief Justice of India (CJI) D Y Chandrachud commended the enactment of new criminal justice laws, hailing it as a “watershed moment for society”. Speaking at a conference in New Delhi centered on ‘India’s Progressive Path in the Administration of Criminal Justice System’, he underscored the necessity for a significant overhaul of India’s criminal justice system and urged citizens to embrace the new laws for their efficacy.
CJI Chandrachud emphasized that the newly enacted laws signify a transformation in India’s legal framework on criminal justice, introducing vital improvements to protect the interests of victims and ensure more effective investigation and prosecution of offences. He lauded Parliament’s action in enacting these laws, asserting that it reflects India’s readiness to address contemporary challenges with modern legal instruments.
The conference, organized by the Ministry of Law & Justice, aimed to raise awareness about the legislative enactments, particularly among stakeholders and the legal fraternity. Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, Attorney General R Venkataramani, and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta were among the attendees.
The newly enacted criminal laws—namely the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and the Bharatiya Sakshya Act—replace the earlier Indian Penal Code 1860, the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, and the Indian Evidence Act, 1872. These laws are poised to comprehensively revamp the country’s criminal justice system starting from July 1, with exceptions such as the provision concerning hit-and-run cases by vehicle drivers, which will not be immediately implemented.
Parliament approved the three laws on December 21 last year, and President Droupadi Murmu granted her assent on December 25, marking a significant step towards modernizing India’s legal landscape.
