> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.upscprep.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # What are the three new criminal laws? - URL: https://www.upscprep.com/new-criminal-laws-come-to-force-bns-bnss-bs-ipc-crpc-evidence-act/ - Published: 2024-07-01T18:22:58.000Z - Updated: 2024-07-01T18:22:58.000Z - Description: GS2 | Polity - Author: UPSCprep.com - Tags: Polity, UPSC Mains, Current Affairs, #show-toc **New Criminal Laws will come into force on July 1, 2024.** The significance of the three new criminal laws is multifaceted and aims to modernize and streamline the criminal justice system in India. - Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) - Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) - Bharatiya Sakshya (BS) ![Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Bharatiya Sakshya (BS) | IPC | CrPC | Indian Evidence Act](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/07/image.png) *Here are the key points of significance:* ## **Modernization and Simplification** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/07/image-1.png) ### **Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)** Replaces: **Indian Penal Code, 1860.** The BNSS prescribes the procedure and conditions for arrest, bail, and custody. It aims to simplify and modernize the procedural aspects of criminal law. ***Key Changes:*** - **Sexual Crimes Against Men and Transgender Persons:** - The BNS is expected to be amended soon to include a section specifically addressing sexual crimes against men and transgender persons. - Until then, police are instructed to use allied charges such as wrongful confinement and physical hurt. - **Concurrent Operation:** - The IPC will continue to operate alongside the BNS for pending cases and crimes reported after July 1 that occurred before this date. ### **Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS)** Replaces: **Code of Criminal Procedure (Cr.PC), 1973.** The BNS updates the Indian Penal Code, 1860, to address contemporary issues, including the potential inclusion of sections on sexual crimes against men and transgender persons. ***Key Provisions:*** - **Procedure for Arrest, Bail, and Custody:** The BNSS outlines the procedures and conditions for arrest, bail, and custody. - **Cognisable Offences:** These will now be registered under Section 173 of the BNSS instead of Section 154 of the Cr.PC. - **State Amendments:** States have the freedom to amend certain provisions of the BNSS as per their requirements. - **Electronic FIRs:** The Crime and Criminal Tracking Network Systems (CCTNS) has been upgraded to allow for **e-FIRs** and ***zero FIRs***, which can be filed irrespective of the crime location's jurisdiction. - **Language Support:** FIRs can now be registered in languages other than English and Hindi. ### **Bharatiya Sakshya (BS)** Replaces: **Indian Evidence Act, 1872.** The BS modernizes the rules of evidence, making them more relevant to current technological and social contexts. ***Key Provisions:*** - **Electronic Evidence:** The BS mandates compulsory audio-video recording of search and seizure operations and forensic examinations for offences attracting seven years or more of punishment. - **Submission of Evidence:** Recordings must be submitted electronically to the court without delay. - [**eSakshya Application**](https://www.upscprep.com/what-is-the-esakshya-app-upsc/)**:** A mobile-based application to help police record crime scenes and upload files to a cloud-based platform. - Recording scenes of crime, search, and seizure activities using their mobile phones. - Uploading Evidence to a cloud-based platform. - Uniformity in investigation. - Increase Conviction Rate - States like Delhi have developed their own systems, such as the **e-pramaan** application. ![Bare Acts on 3 New Criminal Laws (BNS,BNSS,BSA) | IPC, CrPC, Indian Evidence Act | UPSC](https://sukumarbookstall.com/pub/media/catalog/product/cache/6b9de148c0453fd1592f96fd94132fa4/i/m/img_20240112_190522_1.jpg) --- ***Read more:*** [***What is the eSakshya App?***](https://www.upscprep.com/what-is-the-esakshya-app-upsc/) --- [](https://x.com/UPSCprepIAS/status/1807815336269430895/photo/1?ref=upscprep.com) ## **Technological Integration** As the new Criminal Laws laid emphasis on technology in investigation, trial and court proceedings, the **National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB)** has made 23 functional modifications in the existing **Crime and Criminal Tracking Networks and Systems (CCTNS)** application. ![Crime and Criminal Tracking Networks and Systems (CCTNS) | UPSC](https://i.filecdn.in/755esias/image-1719642360558.png) ![National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) | Crime and Criminal Tracking Networks and Systems (CCTNS) application](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/07/image-3.png) ![National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) | Crime and Criminal Tracking Networks and Systems (CCTNS) application](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/07/image-4.png) - **CCTNS Upgrade**: The CCTNS will be significantly upgraded to allow for e-FIRs and zero FIRs, enhancing accessibility and efficiency. - **Electronic Evidence**: The BNSS mandates compulsory audio-video recording of search and seizure operations and forensic examinations for serious crimes. - This ensures greater transparency and accountability. NCRB will also provide technical assistance to the States and UTs for a seamless transition to the new system. ## **State Autonomy** - **Amendments by States**: States have the freedom to amend certain provisions of the BNSS to suit their specific needs. - This flexibility **allows for** **localized adaptations** while maintaining a unified national framework. ## **Training and Adaptation** - **Hand-Holding and Training**: The Union government has provided training and support to ensure a smooth transition to the new system. - This also includes updates to the **CCTNS software** to accommodate multiple languages. - The **Officer-in-Charge** of each police station in all States and Union Territories will organize a program highlighting the new criminal laws' salient features. - **Discussions** and **in-depth analysis** have been covered through: - News bulletins, programs, discussions and social media platforms of Doordarshan and Akashvani. - Public Awareness flyers, interaction programs, informational websites, and ministerial-level webinars have also been held. - Additionally, **Mandatory inclusion of course modules in schools and higher education institutes** are also some of the steps taken. - The University Grants Commission, All India Council for Technical Education and CFIs, and all higher education institutions in States and Union Territories will **organize one-day activities** that will include group discussions, workshops, question-and-answer sessions, and quizzes on various provisions of the new criminal laws. ### **Concurrent Operation** - **Transition Period**: The IPC and Cr.PC will continue to operate concurrently with the new laws for cases pending in courts and crimes reported after July 1 but committed before this date. - This ensures that the transition does not disrupt ongoing legal processes. ### **Enhanced Security and Accountability** - **Cloud-Based Systems**: The use of cloud-based platforms for storing electronic evidence, such as the [**eSakshya**](https://www.upscprep.com/what-is-the-esakshya-app-upsc/) and **e-pramaan** applications, enhances the security and integrity of evidence. ![eSakshya App ](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GRalNr6aQAAkwOd?format=jpg&name=medium) ![ePramaan](https://www.cdac.in/index.aspx?id=st_egov_sso_120220) ### **Addressing Contemporary Issues** - **Inclusion of New Sections**: The BNS may soon include sections addressing sexual crimes against men and transgender persons, reflecting a more inclusive approach to criminal justice. ### **Public Accessibility** - **E-FIR and Zero FIR**: The ability to file FIRs electronically without visiting a police station and irrespective of jurisdiction makes the process more accessible to the public. ## **Conclusion** The implementation of these new laws represents a significant overhaul of India's criminal justice system, aiming to make it more efficient, transparent, and responsive to contemporary needs. The integration of technology, flexibility for state-specific amendments, and enhanced security measures are key features that underscore the significance of these changes. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/07/9207d054-5e99-4b26-b8c8-424994497a07/content/images/2024/06/UPSC-Advance.png) #### GS Advance + Mentorship Be mains ready in 3 months (Content+Notes+Answer Writing) [Know more](https://courses.upscprep.com/products/gs-advance/?ref=upscprep.com)