Any mention of IPC, CrPC and Evidence Act to be interpreted as referring to new criminal laws: Govt

The Union Ministry of Law and Justice announced on Tuesday that any mention of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), or the Evidence Act in any Act, Ordinance, regulation, or notification will now be interpreted as referring to the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bhartiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bhartiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), respectively.

This notification marks a significant shift in the legal landscape of India, as these new codes have been introduced to modernize and streamline the country's legal framework. The BNS, BNSS, and BSA aim to replace the colonial-era laws with more contemporary and comprehensive legal provisions that better reflect the current needs and realities of Indian society.

The Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) is set to serve as the new penal code, offering a revised set of offenses and penalties. The Bhartiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) will take over the procedural aspects, guiding the processes of investigation, arrest, bail, and trial, among others. Meanwhile, the Bhartiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) will replace the Evidence Act, providing updated rules and guidelines for the admissibility and evaluation of evidence in legal proceedings.

The Ministry emphasized that this change is aimed at enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the legal system, ensuring justice is more accessible and equitable. Legal professionals, law enforcement agencies, and the judiciary will need to familiarize themselves with these new codes to ensure a smooth transition and continued adherence to the rule of law.

This move is part of a broader initiative by the government to reform and modernize various sectors, aligning them with contemporary global standards and practices. The introduction of BNS, BNSS, and BSA is expected to bring about a more coherent and integrated legal system, contributing to the overall goal of a more robust and just society.