IN a landmark move marking the dawn of a new era in India’s judicial system, the first FIR under the newly-implemented Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) was registered by Rengakhar Police in Naxal-affected district Kabirdham, following a report of assault. Shortly after implementation of the new Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) on July 1, the police swiftly acted on a report of assault in Kabirdham. In a bid to provide immediate relief to the victim, the FIR was registered under sections 296 and 351(2) of the BNS. Notably, Rengakhar Police of the district is the first in the State to file an FIR under the new BNS, symbolising the beginning of the implementation of new laws designed to ensure swift justice for ordinary citizens. Itwari Pancheshwar, a resident of Mohantola, reported to the Rengakhar police that Golu Thackeray of Rengakhar assaulted and abused him over a dispute about tractor documents. An FIR was registered against the accused at 12:30 am after a written complaint was submitted by the victim. The new Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), along with the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), has replaced the 160-year-old laws enacted by the British: the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), and Indian Evidence Act.

 

The main objective behind the implementation of the new laws is to modernise and make the judicial system more progressive, ensuring fast and transparent judicial processes for every citizen. Superintendent of Police Dr Abhishek Pallav, commenting on the first FIR under the new law, said, “The goal of the new laws is to provide swift and fair justice to every citizen. Under the provisions of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), we have ensured that judicial processes are more effective and transparent. The prompt action taken by the police today in registering the FIR is a clear indication of the effectiveness of our new laws. It shows our commitment to providing justice to our citizens.

This quick action not only ensures timely justice for the victim but also sends a message to society that the law and justice system are always ready to protect their rights and security. Our team's readiness and dedication signify our commitment to taking every possible step towards justice.” Registering the first FIR under the new Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) in a Naxal-affected district is a significant and historic moment.

 

It demonstrates the effort to improve judicial processes and promote justice and transparency in society. The implementation of these laws marks the beginning of a new era in the country's judicial system, ensuring fair action against offenders and proving the government's commitment to strengthening and securing judicial processes. This new law is a crucial step towards a just, equitable, and safe society for Indian citizens. This historic FIR is a milestone in the reform of our judicial system, proving that under the new laws, every citizen will receive swift and fair justice, leading to a more just and egalitarian society.

 

NEW LAW BRINGS MAJOR OVERHAUL TO INDIA'S JUSTICE SYSTEM: BILASPUR: THE DAY of July 1, 2024 marks a landmark day for India as it ushers in a significant reform in its legal system with the introduction of new laws aimed at ensuring timely justice and stricter punishments for crimes. The Indian Penal Code (IPC) will now be known as the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) will be called Bharatiya Nyay Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and the Indian Evidence Act of 1872 will be renamed Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam-2023. Professor Satish Tiwari, Principal of Kaushalendra Rao Law College, highlighting the changes said, “The IPC had 511 sections, whereas the BNS will have 358. Twenty new crimes have been added, 19 sections removed and 33 offences now have enhanced imprisonment terms. Besides, fines have also been increased in 83 offences and compulsory minimum punishments have been introduced for 23 crimes.”

 

The BNSS, with 531 sections, will replace the CrPC. “A total of 177 provisions have been replaced, with nine new currents and 39 new sub-sections added. The Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam will now have 170 provisions, with two new ones and six sub-provisions added, and six removed,” he explained. Superintendent of Police Rajnesh Singh is actively educating the public about the new laws through programmes and workshops in educational institutions. This reform aims to address the deficiencies of colonial-era laws. Notably, the new laws include 111 sections designed to combat organized crime, provisions to curb cyber fraud, and measures to protect rape victims by ensuring their cases are heard by female magistrates. The laws also recognize the third gender under gender equality statutes and facilitate online and zero FIRs.The reforms are expected to enhance efficiency of the justice system and ensure that justice is both timely and firm.