Indian Penal Code, followed since 1860 and Criminal Procedure Code to be replaced

Announcement by the Central HM Amit Shah

• Anti-national laws to be abolished

• Death sentence for rapist of a minor girl

• Provision against mob lynching

New Delhi – The Central Home Minister (HM) Amit Shah announced in the Parliament on 11th August 2023 that the Government would be repealing all laws imposed by the British and would bring a new Bill under ‘Criminal Procedure Code Research Bill 2023’ under which three Bills would be introduced. The Indian Penal Code 1860 will be replaced with The Indian Penal Code 2023; the Criminal Procedure Code 1860 will be replaced with the Criminal Procedure Code 2023, and the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 will be replaced by the new Indian Evidence Act. HM Shah said that the purpose of laws would be to provide justice and not to punish people.

(Credit : India Today)

HM Shah said that the opinions of 18 States, 6 Union Territories, the Supreme Court, 22 High Courts, judicial organisations, 142 MPs, 270 MLAs, and people were sought in this context. There were discussions on this subject for the last four years and 158 meetings were held.

He said further that the notorious terrorist Dawood Ibrahim has been absconding for many years. Now, a hearing will be against him in his absence under the new law, and he would be punished. He will have to come to India if he wants to fight against his punishment.

The Union Government formed a committee to bring the three new Bills and its findings after the study were presented to the Government in February 2022.

Anti-national laws to be repealed

The Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that the goal of proving the accusations against a criminal should be more than 90%. There will be a provision for punishment for mob lynching under the new Bill. There will also be a provision for a death sentence for raping a minor girl.

Editorial Viewpoint

It has been 75 years since India became Independent, but the laws implemented by the British were not replaced by the Congress, which ruled this country for the maximum period after Independence. Isn’t this unpardonable inaction akin to the slaying of Bharat Mata ? People should, therefore, ask Congress leaders for an explanation for such inaction wherever they meet them.