Repeal of sedition, capital punishment for mob lynching: Amit Shah speaks about big revamp of Indian criminal laws in LS

Introducing the Bills in Lok Sabha, Shah said that they are aimed at replacing the existing laws — Indian Penal Code, 1860; Criminal Procedure Code, 1898; and Indian Evidence Act, 1872.

1. 01

   'Old laws symbol of gulami'

   Introducing the three new bills aimed at reforming India's criminal justice system, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that the old laws, which date back to the 19th century, were a symbol of gulami (servitude), referring to the British colonial rule in India.

2. 02

   Sedition offence to be completely repealed in Bill replacing IPC

   Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that the offence of sedition will be "completely repealed" from the new Bill which will replace the Indian Penal Code.

3. 03

   Capital punishment in mob lynching cases

   Shah also announced that the Centre plans to introduce the provision of capital punishment in mob lynching cases.

4. 04

   313 changes being brought about in India's criminal justice system

   While introducing the Bharatiya Suraksha Sanhita Bill, 2023, Shah said that a total of 313 changes are being brought in India's criminal justice system.

5. 05

   Conviction ratio to be taken above 90%, says Shah

   Union Home Minister Amit Shah while introducing the Bharatiya Suraksha Sanhita Bill, 2023 said, "Under this Bill, we have set the goal that the conviction ratio has to be taken above 90%. That is why, we have brought an important provision that the Sections which provide for seven years or a greater jail term, under all those cases forensic team's visit to the crime scene will be made compulsory..."

6. 06

   'Old laws meant to punish, not give justice'

   "The laws that will be repealed... the focus of those law was to protect and strengthen the British administration, the idea was to punish and not to give justice. By replacing them, the new three laws will bring the spirit to protect the rights of the Indian citizen," Shah added in his address to the Lok Sabha.

7. 07

   'Focus on safety of citizens, providing justice in a timely manner'

   While introducing the Bills to replace three '19th century laws' — CrPC, IPC, and Evidence Act, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that suggestions from all stakeholders have been taken and it has been under discussion for around four years. "We've gone through all suggestions. We will focus on citizens' safety and bringing justice in a timely manner," he added.

8. 08

   'We have ensured police can't exploit their powers'

   While talking about the provisions of the new Bills, Shah said, "We have ensured that the police can't exploit their powers". He added that they want suggestions and inputs from various stakeholders, including Bar Council of India and the Law Commission.

9. 09

   New laws contain provision to try accused in absentia

   Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that under the new laws, there will be provision to conduct trials of accused even if they are absconding.

10. 10

    'Separatism', 'waging war against country' to be defined as separate offences

    Shah also said that offences like 'separatism' and 'waging war against the country' will be defined as separate offences under the new laws.