New criminal laws will come into effect from July 1, said the Home Ministry on Saturday.
The Ministry issued a Gazette notification declaring the three new criminal bills – Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 – will be effective from July 1.
The bills received parliamentary approval on December 21 last year and subsequently obtained assent from President Droupadi Murmu on December 25.
However, the government clarified that certain provisions related to hit-and-run incidents involving vehicle drivers would not be enforced immediately.
This decision followed protests from various transporters’ associations across the country, expressing concerns about stringent penalties proposed under the new code for such cases.
The contentious provision required that individuals causing death due to rash and negligent driving, who flee from the accident scene, could face imprisonment of up to 10 years and/or fines.
The government assured that any decision regarding the implementation of these provisions would be made in consultation with the All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC).
In January, the Prime Minister had underscored that the new criminal laws were formulated with a focus on prioritising the well-being and dignity of citizens.
He emphasised a shift towards data-driven policing rather than a punitive approach.
Notably, the new legislation defines the word “terrorism” in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, marking its first appearance in Indian criminal law.
Additionally, the new laws expand the magistrate’s authority to impose fines and broaden the criteria for labelling an individual as a proclaimed offender.
