PM Modi: New Criminal Laws Put Citizens First

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has described the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) as a major step towards protecting citizens’ rights and making justice more accessible. The reform reflects his vision of Jan Seva Se Desh Seva and the government’s commitment to building a developed India by 2047.

The three new criminal laws—the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA)—came into effect on July 1, 2024. They aim to improve the criminal justice system through provisions such as Zero FIR, time-bound investigations, restrictions on unnecessary adjournments, forensic evidence collection and videography.

Speaking after the implementation of the laws, Modi said the guiding principle of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita is “Citizens First,” emphasising its role in safeguarding individual rights and simplifying access to justice.

The BNS also introduces specific provisions to address organised crime, terrorism and mob lynching. Under Section 103(2), the murder of a person by a group of five or more people on grounds such as caste, race, community, sex, place of birth, language or personal belief can attract life imprisonment or the death penalty, along with a fine.

Speaking to Akashvani News, Delhi High Court advocate Sunil Kumar said the new laws recognise emerging forms of crime, strengthen action against organised criminal activities and provide for the use of electronic FIRs and digital evidence.

The legislation also places greater emphasis on the safety of women and children. Gang rape of a woman below 18 years of age is punishable with life imprisonment or the death penalty, reinforcing the legal framework against serious sexual offences.

The reforms seek to establish a more responsive, technology-enabled and citizen-focused criminal justice system across the country.