The Lower House (Lok Sabha) of the Indian Parliament successfully approved three pivotal criminal law bills, along with additional amendments proposed by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, on December 20th. The newly passed bills, namely Bharatiya Nyaya (Second) Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha (Second), and Bharatiya Sakshya (Second) Sanhita, are set to replace the existing Indian Penal Code (IPC), Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), and Indian Evidence Act, respectively.

During the legislative discussions, Shah emphasized the precise definition of terrorism, the elimination of sedition as a criminal offence, and the introduction of a new section addressing "offences against the state." The amended legislation now includes offences related to organized crime, terrorism, and group-based murder involving five or more individuals based on caste, language, or personal beliefs. Notably, the bills incorporate a provision for imposing the death penalty in cases of mob lynching.

Addressing concerns about the sluggishness of the justice system under the previous laws, Shah clarified that the new provisions grant the accused a seven-day window to request acquittal. Within this timeframe, a hearing must take place, and the case is expected to go to trial within a maximum of 120 days.

The updated criminal bill in India designates causing harm to a woman's mental health as 'cruelty,' signalling a departure from the colonial mindset embedded in earlier laws. Shah underscored that the revised laws align with "Indian thinking," marking a departure from the influence of colonial-era statutes.

Shah elaborated, stating, "The three new bills aim to establish a justice system that reflects Indian thinking. These proposed criminal laws seek to liberate people from colonial influences and their symbols." He emphasized that despite 75 years of independence, India continued to adhere to laws instituted by the UK government, employing English terms like "Her Majesty," "the British Kingdom," "the crown," "barrister," and "ruler" until the replacement of these antiquated laws.

Despite the absence of 97 suspended opposition MPs during crucial proceedings, the bills secured approval. Originally presented in August during the Parliament's monsoon session, the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha (Second) Sanhita now comprises 531 Sections, a reduction from the original 533 Sections. The Bharatiya Sakshya Bill remains unchanged, consisting of 170 Sections, including 23 sourced from the Indian Evidence Act.