“Plea seeking to stay on implementation of the New Criminal Laws”

28 Jun “Plea seeking to stay on implementation of the New Criminal Laws”

This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and the topic details of “Plea seeking to stay on implementation of the New Criminal Laws” This topic is relevant to the “Polity and Governance” section of the UPSC—CSE Exam.

Why in the news:

A petition was filed in the Supreme Court requesting a halt to the enforcement and enactment of three new criminal laws: Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023, slated to take effect from July 1st.

Reasons for Reforming Criminal Laws in India:

• Historical Origins: Previous laws in India stem from the colonial era and were designed to maintain British control over the legal system.Example: Section 124A of the IPC, which criminalises sedition, was introduced during British rule to suppress dissent against colonial authority. Its application remains contentious, particularly concerning its potential misuse against activists and journalists.
• Emphasis on Punishment: Earlier laws prioritised punitive measures over ensuring justice for citizens. For example, Several offences in the IPC carry the death penalty, prompting ongoing debates regarding its efficacy as a deterrent and its alignment with evolving societal values.
• Obsolete Framework: Enacted in the 19th century, existing laws do not adequately reflect contemporary societal norms, technological advancements, or evolving justice needs. For instance, in 2018, the Supreme Court deemed adultery laws unconstitutional, underscoring the necessity for laws to adapt to societal changes.
• Low Conviction Rates: Outdated laws contribute to low conviction rates and protracted legal procedures, eroding public confidence in the legal system. In 2022, the National Crime Records Bureau reported a conviction rate of only 19.7% for serious crimes such as murder and rape.
• Gender Insensitivity: Previous laws inadequately address crimes against women and children, reflecting insensitivity and gaps in legal protections. A 2020 National Family Health Survey-5 survey revealed that one in three women in India has experienced physical or sexual violence, necessitating robust legal safeguards.
• Complex Procedures: Cumbersome processes and excessive paperwork lead to delayed trials and inefficiencies in the criminal justice system. A 2023 study by the Centre for Public Interest Litigation highlighted that only 0.1% of witnesses in rape cases receive any form of protection, hindering prosecution efforts.
• Potential for Misuse: Authorities may exploit laws to target individuals and violate civil liberties, as seen in cases of misuse of sedition charges. For example, anti-terrorism laws with vague definitions of “unlawful activities” have been used to target minority groups and activists, raising concerns about human rights abuses.
• Lack of Victim-Centric Approach: Legal proceedings often prioritise technicalities over providing support and justice for victims. According to a 2022 report by the National Crime Victims Relief Fund, only 30% of eligible victims receive compensation, highlighting the need for a more accessible and victim-oriented system.
• Inadequate Technological Integration: Older laws lack provisions for leveraging modern technology, hindering effective investigation and evidence presentation. Despite over 2.4 million cybercrime cases in 2022, the conviction rate stands at a mere 3.4%, underscoring the urgent need for technological advancements and skilled cybercrime investigators.
• Limited Scope: Existing laws fail to address emerging crimes such as cybercrimes, terrorism, and organised crime effectively. Crimes like crypto-jacking and drone-based attacks lack specific legal frameworks, leaving authorities ill-prepared and response mechanisms unclear.

Comparison of Existing and New Criminal Laws in India:

 Advantages of the Bills:

• Expanded Offences: The bills include terrorism, corruption, mob lynching, and organised crime under penal laws.
• Zero FIR Provision: Allows complaints to be registered at any police station, regardless of where the crime occurred.
• ICT Applications: Proposes Video recording of search and seizure operations and increased use of electronic evidence and forensics.
• Introduction of Community Service: Community service is introduced as a new form of punishment.
• Revised Sedition Laws: Introduces a test for criminal intent to prevent misuse of sedition laws.
• Speedy Justice Initiatives: Advocates for Video trials and trials in absentia to expedite justice.
• Alignment with Supreme Court Rulings: Excludes attempted suicide and adultery as criminal offences, aligning with recent Supreme Court decisions.
• Release of Undertrials: Requires police superintendents to apply to release undertrials who have served half or one-third of their maximum possible sentence.

Challenges Associated with the Bills:

• New Definition of Sedition: Defines sedition broadly, potentially infringing on free speech rights.
• Police Powers: Grants unchecked powers of arrest to the police.
• Vagueness in Offences: The drafting of offences remains vague, increasing the risk of arbitrary arrests.
• Religious Offences: Fails to revisit offences related to religion and blasphemy.
• Borrowed Legislation: Adopts offences from other laws without clarifying reasons, like those under the UAPA.
• Criminalisation of Speech: Offences such as sedition and obscenity may suppress freedom of expression.
• Marital Rape: Does not criminalise marital rape, despite existing laws against sexual violence.
• Outdated Terminology: Uses outdated terms like “modesty” in laws related to crimes against women.
• Bail Adjudication: Provides little improvement in the process of bail adjudication.
• Torture in Investigation: This does not address issues related to torture in obtaining evidence from suspects.
• Death Penalty for Mob Lynching: Imposing the death penalty for mob lynching may be seen as excessively harsh.
• Retention of Outdated Laws: Retains a significant portion of the antiquated IPC, which dates back over 160 years.
• Forensic Investigation: Mandates forensic investigation for every crime scene without addressing logistical challenges.
• Committee Issues: The committee lacks diversity and transparency in its public consultations and recommendations.
• Political Use of Criminal Law: Raises concerns about the political use of criminal law as a preemptive tool.
• Police Custody: Extends the period during which a person can be held in police custody, potentially infringing on civil liberties.
• International Practices: Lags behind other countries in updating colonial-era penal codes to meet present-day standards.

Way Forward:

• Balancing State Security and Individual Freedom: Future reforms must balance state security needs and individual rights.
• Ensuring Equality and Equitability: Critical for maintaining public trust and fairness in criminal law reforms.
• Impact on Vulnerable Groups: Reforms’ effectiveness will be judged based on their impact on vulnerable populations, victims, and the disadvantaged.

Download plutus ias current affairs eng med 28th June 2024

Mains based Question:

Q.Discuss the role of new Criminal Laws in contemporary society.

Vishal Yadav