Parliamentary Panel Examines Overhaul Bills to Replace IPC, CrPC, and Evidence Act

New Delhi, August 24, 2023: A parliamentary panel convened on Thursday to scrutinize three bills aimed at modernizing existing laws, including the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), and the Evidence Act.

These bills, introduced by Home Minister Amit Shah in the previous Lok Sabha session, seek to replace the colonial-era laws with new acts designed to align with contemporary needs and citizens’ aspirations.

Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla is scheduled to deliver a presentation on the proposed legislation — the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and the Bharatiya Sakshya Bill — to the committee members. The bills are intended to bring about a comprehensive transformation of the criminal justice system in India.

Described by Shah as an attempt to provide swift justice and create a legal framework that meets the current requirements of the populace, the bills are set to address the long-standing issues associated with outdated laws. During their introduction, Shah emphasized that these legislative changes are aimed at aligning the legal system with the evolving needs of the nation.

The standing committee, chaired by BJP member Brij Lal, is mandated to deliver its report within three months. This timeline coincides with the government’s plan to table the updated bills in the forthcoming session of Parliament. The proposed overhaul is seen as an essential step toward ensuring an efficient and effective legal framework that upholds the principles of justice and equity.

The committee’s review of these significant legislative reforms underscores the government’s commitment to modernizing the legal landscape in India, catering to the dynamic socio-legal environment and the aspirations of its citizens.