New Criminal Laws

1. Introduction:
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has highlighted that with the introduction of new criminal laws justice will be prioritised over punishment. These laws are expected to fully come into force in 3-4 years to cover every relevant technical aspect.

2. Timeline for Justice:
Upon complete enactment, the new laws aim to provide justice within three years of registering the first information report (FIR), including recourse to the Supreme Court.

3. Availability in Different Languages:
These laws are available in all the languages included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, facilitating court proceedings in the same languages.

4. Opposition and Responses:
Addressing Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s opposition to the laws, Mr. Shah clarified that all laws have been translated to Tamil and proceedings in the state can occur in Tamil.

5. Police Custody Duration:
Despite confusions, Mr. Shah confirmed that the maximum duration of police custody remains 15 days, not extended to 60 days as rumoured.

6. Legal Aspects:
The Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), the new act, mandates compulsory audiovisual recording of search and seizure interactions in each criminal case, and mandatory forensic examination in grave offences.

7. Public Confusion:
Mr. Shah addressed the public confusion and misconceptions about the new criminal laws, emphasising their thorough discussion over four years with different stakeholders.

8. Removal of Disputed Provisions:
The new laws eliminate many disputed provisions introduced in British times that caused complications, and add sections relevant today.

9. Abolition of Sedition:
The controversial sedition law has been eradicated in the new laws, replaced with a section on ‘anti-national activities’ with severe punishment provisions.

10. Digitisation and Forensics:
With 99.9% of police stations computerized, e-FIR’s and charge-sheets will be in a digital format. Forensic investigation is now mandatory in severe crimes, which aims to expedite justice and achieve a conviction rate of 90%.

11. Forensics Infrastructure:
The Union Cabinet has decided to establish campuses of Forensic Science University and six Central Forensic Laboratories in nine more states.

MCQs:

1. What is the maximum duration of police custody according to the new criminal laws?
A. 60 days
B. 15 days
C. 30 days
D. 45 days
Answer: B. 15 days
Explanation: Mr. Shah has clarified that the maximum duration of police custody is 15 days and not 60 days as incorrectly rumoured.

2. Which act mandates compulsory audiovisual recording of search and seizure?
A. IPC
B. BNSS
C. CBI Act
D. NIA Act
Answer: B. BNSS
Explanation: The Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) mandates compulsory audiovisual recording during search and seizure in each criminal case.

3. Is the sedition law present in the new criminal laws?
A. Yes
B. No
Answer: B. No
Explanation: The law on sedition, introduced by British colonial rule, has been abolished in the new criminal laws.