India Implements New Criminal Law, Replaces British Heritage System

JAKARTA - India began enacting three new criminal laws on Monday to replace the justice system imposed by Britain more than a century ago.

Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam were passed in Parliament in December by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Government.

The government said the new law would overhaul the criminal justice system, particularly in handling cases of sexual violence, crimes against children, mass hangings and crimes against the state.

"By removing the old slave-mentalized law, PM Modi's Government implemented three new laws that reflect the Indian spirit. The essence of this law is a strong sense of justice, not punishment," said Law and Justice Minister Arjun Ram Meghawal on Sunday, launching The National News July 1.

Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita replaces the Indian Criminal Code, which is a criminal law introduced by Britain in 1862.

Meanwhile, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita replaced the Criminal Procedure Code, which includes procedures for arresting, investigating, and trialing, which have been amended several times since it was introduced in 1882.

Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam replaced the Indian Evidence Act, which was introduced in 1872, outlining admissible evidence in court.

Meanwhile, India's Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Dhananjay Chandrachud said the new law introduces "a much-needed improvement" and is needed to "overcome the current challenges we envision for the future of our society".

"This law marks an important moment for our society because there is no law that affects our people's daily behavior such as criminal law," he said.

Separately, India's main opposition party, India's National Congress, has demanded that the government postpone the new law, saying "further debates must be held and the public must be trusted".