The New Era of Criminal Law in India: Analysing the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bhartiya Sakshya Adhiniya
By Sandigdha Mishra, Adv. advocate.sandigdhamishra@gmail.com On July 1, 2024, India witnessed a significant transformation in its criminal justice system with the introduction of three new laws: the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), replacing the Indian Penal Code (IPC); the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), replacing the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC); and the Bhartiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), replacing the Indian Evidence Act. These reforms aim to modernize, streamline, and strengthen the legal framework to ensure more efficient, fair, and transparent delivery of justice. Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) The Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita marks a significant shift from the colonial-era Indian Penal Code, which had been in place since 1860. The BNS aims to address contemporary issues and incorporate provisions that reflect the changing dynamics of Indian society. Major Changes: Modernization of Offenses: The BNS introduces new categories of crimes that were either inadequately addressed