New criminal laws will be implemented from July 1

Three new criminal laws will come into force across the country from Monday, which will bring sweeping changes in India's criminal justice system and end the colonial era laws. The Indian Justice Code, Indian Civil Defense Code and Indian Evidence Act will replace the British era Indian Penal Code, Criminal Procedure Code and Indian Evidence Act respectively. The new laws will establish a modern justice system which will include provisions like 'Zero FIR', filing online complaint with the police, electronic means like sending summons through 'SMS' (message on mobile phone) and mandatory videography of the crime scene of all heinous crimes.

Now there will be 358 sections

There were 511 sections in the Indian Penal Code, but there are 358 sections in the Indian Justice Code. Actually, the 'overlap' sections have been merged and simplified. Due to which there will be only 358 sections in it as compared to 511 sections of the Indian Penal Code.

Case registered under 'Zero FIR'

With 'Zero FIR', any person can now register an FIR in any police station, even if the crime has not occurred in its jurisdiction. This will eliminate the delay in initiating legal proceedings and the case can be registered immediately.

Verdict will come within 45 days

Under the new laws, the verdict in criminal cases will come within 45 days of the completion of the trial and charges will be framed within 60 days of the first hearing. The statement of rape victims will be recorded by a female police officer in the presence of her guardian or relative and the medical report will have to be submitted within seven days. The new laws define organised crimes and acts of terrorism, treason has been replaced by sedition and videography of all search and seizure operations has been made mandatory.

Buying and selling children will be a heinous crime

A new chapter has been added on crimes against women and children, buying and selling a child has been made a heinous crime and a provision of death penalty or life imprisonment has been added for gang rape of a minor.

Sources said that cases of false promise of marriage, rape of a minor, mob lynching, snatching etc. are registered but there were no special provisions in the current Indian Penal Code to deal with such incidents. They said that provisions have been made in the Indian Justice Code to deal with them. These three laws are based on justice, transparency and fairness.

Reports will also be registered through electronic communication medium

Under the new laws, now any person can register a report of incidents through electronic communication medium without going to the police station. This will make registering a case easier and faster and immediate action can be taken by the police.

An interesting aspect added to the new law is that in case of arrest, the person has been given the right to inform any person of his choice about his situation. This will enable the arrested person to get immediate assistance. Apart from this, arrest details will be prominently displayed in police stations and district headquarters so that the family and friends of the arrested person can easily access important information.

Investigation will be completed within two months

The new laws give priority to the investigation of crimes against women and children, so that the investigation will be completed within two months of the case being registered. Under the new laws, victims will have the right to get regular information on the progress of their case within 90 days.

Under the new laws, victims of crimes against women and children will be provided free first aid or treatment in all hospitals. This provision ensures that the victim gets the necessary medical care immediately. Both the accused and the victim will now have the right to get the FIR, police report, charge sheet, statement, confession and other documents within 14 days.

Courts can adjourn the trial a maximum of two times to avoid unnecessary delay in hearing the case to deliver timely justice. The new laws make it mandatory for all state governments to implement witness protection schemes to ensure the safety and cooperation of witnesses and enhance the credibility and effectiveness of legal processes. Now the definition of 'gender' includes transgenders as well, thereby promoting inclusivity and equality.