Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday congratulated Chandigarh for becoming the first city in India to fully implement the landmark criminal laws, calling it a historic moment for the country’s legal system. The new laws—Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA)—aim to make India’s criminal justice system more transparent, efficient, and aligned with contemporary needs.
During an event where these laws were dedicated to the nation, Shah described the day as a “golden day” for India’s criminal justice system, highlighting that Chandigarh’s complete implementation sets a precedent for the entire nation. He assured that the laws would be fully implemented nationwide within three years.
Shah stressed that the previous laws, like the Indian Penal Code (IPC), were more focused on protecting British colonial interests and were outdated. In contrast, the new laws have been crafted to serve Indian citizens and promote justice, not punishment. “The previous laws were over 160 years old and were made to protect British rule, not the people,” Shah noted.
The new laws include provisions to fight corruption, such as the introduction of the ‘Director of Prosecution’ role. Additionally, the term “sedition” has been replaced by “treason” in the new legal framework. Shah pointed out that over 11 lakh FIRs have already been registered under the new laws, and 9,500 cases have received judgments within just four months.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, also present at the event, emphasized that the old laws, designed by the British, were meant to oppress Indians and maintain their subjugation. He remarked that after India’s independence in 1947, the country’s citizens were hopeful that they would be freed from such laws, but unfortunately, many of them remained in place post-independence.
The Prime Minister praised the efforts behind the new laws, mentioning that they were shaped by inputs from various Chief Justices of India, High Court Chief Justices, judicial academicians, law institutes, and civil society. The new laws, which came into force on July 1, 2024, aim to create a more just, transparent, and effective legal system for India.