Following the implementation of new criminal laws on Monday, Chhaya Sharma, Delhi Police Special CP (Training), announced that over 45,000 officers have been trained to adapt to these changes. Special booklets have been distributed to facilitate the transition.
The three new criminal laws — Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Sanhita — have replaced the Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860; the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1973; and the Indian Evidence Act, 1872, effective from Monday.
“FIRs will be registered under these sections from today. Our training for this began on February 5. We prepared booklets that helped us easily train our officers so they can be prepared for the coming changes,” the Special CP explained.
“The pocket booklet, divided into four parts, contains the transition from IPC to BNS, new sections added to BNS, categories now under seven years of punishment and a table of sections essential for everyday policing,” she added.
Sharma emphasised, “Now, at least 45,000 officers in the Delhi Police are trained and ready for the changes introduced by the new criminal laws. We have also established a team to assist officers with any questions regarding the implementation of these laws. This team serves as an FAQ resource, providing support and clarification as needed during the implementation process.”
She highlighted the new system’s emphasis on ‘justice’ over ‘punishment’ with a victim-centric approach, stating, “For the first time, great emphasis has been given to digital evidence. Now, the evidence will be recorded digitally. The role of forensic experts has been enhanced.”
The first FIR under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, was filed at Kamla Market Police Station in the national capital on Monday. The new laws received Parliament’s approval on December 21, 2023. President Droupadi Murmu was assassinated on December 25, 2023, and it was published in the official gazette on the same day.
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita includes 358 sections, reducing from the IPC’s 511. It introduces 20 new crimes, increases sentences for 33 offences, raises fines in 83 cases, and mandates minimum punishments in 23 instances. Community service penalties are introduced for six crimes, with 19 sections repealed.
Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita comprises 531 sections, an increase from CrPC’s 484. It modifies 177 provisions, adds nine new sections and 39 sub-sections and clarifies 44 provisions. Timelines and audio-video provisions are added in 35 instances, with 14 sections repealed.
Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam now includes 170 provisions, up from 167, with changes to 24 provisions. It introduces two new provisions and six sub-provisions while repealing six.
The full implementation of these laws aims to end delays in justice delivery, as previously stated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Parliament.
With inputs from ANI