Three New Criminal Laws
Decolonisation and Reform
The three new criminal laws — Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023; Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023; and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), 2023 — came into force on 1 July 2024. They replaced the IPC (1860), CrPC (1973), and Indian Evidence Act (1872) respectively. The laws are presented as a decolonisation exercise, replacing colonial-era criminal jurisprudence while introducing technological integration and victim-centric approaches.
- BNS, 2023 — replaces IPC, 1860 (enacted 1 July 2024); contains 358 sections vs IPC's 511; introduces community service as a minor punishment
- BNSS, 2023 — replaces CrPC, 1973; introduces time-bound trial provisions, e-FIR, mandatory video recording of search and seizure
- BSA, 2023 — replaces Indian Evidence Act, 1872; recognises electronic evidence more comprehensively
- Zero FIR: introduced under BNSS — any police station can register FIR regardless of jurisdiction, transferred later
- Section 152 (BNS) — sedition-equivalent provision: "acts endangering sovereignty or unity and integrity of India"; replaces IPC Section 124A (sedition); narrower in scope
● Tracked since March 11, 2026 · last seen August 25, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes
11 Mar '26
PROVISIONS UNDER BNS
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