CM Mamta Banerjee, West Bengal, and Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah have gone on record to oppose the implementation of the new criminal laws, which came into effect on Monday. West Bengal CM Mamta Banerjee, wrote to the Centre demanding a pause in the implementation of the laws. And CM Siddaramaiah wrote to the center regarding the amendment of the laws at the state level.
The AAP government also joined INDIA bloc MPs to protest against the implementation of the new criminal laws. However, the AAP-ruled Punjab government has not yet opposed the action but rather started registering cases under the act.
New criminal laws came into effect, on July 1
A major revolution in India’s dated criminal justice framework is expected as the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) replaces the Indian Penal Code, 1860, the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, and the Indian Evidence Act, 1872, respectively.
Adapting to the volatile nature of society by ensuring speedy, timely justice and maintaining adequate transparency in the judicial system is the primary aim of this revolution.
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Opposition raises concern
AAP initially joined the INDIA bloc MPs in the protest against the implementation of the new criminal laws but Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann is yet to write to the Centre. The Punjab Government went on to provide iPads, cell phones, and translations of the new criminal laws across police stations for a smooth transition and started registering cases under the same.
Neighboring AAP-ruled states like Himachal Pradesh have also started registering cases under the new rules. Meanwhile, an AAP leader mentioned that they did not get the time to protest the implementation of the new laws as the state leadership was busy with Lok Sabha elections earlier and Assembly Polls currently, in recent times.
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New laws render more power to the police
The main concern as expressed by several democratic and public organizations is that the new laws render more power to the police, which might derail the primary aim of regulating the criminal justice framework.
“These laws give more power to police to keep a person for up to 90 days in police custody against the earlier 15 days …In a way, they are trying to gag the voice of the common man.”, Prof Jagmohan Singh from the Association For Democratic Rights, Punjab expressed.
After the organization took out rallies in different districts of the state, on Monday, Tarksheel Society, Association For Democratic Rights, and several other organizations decided to hold a convention and protest. This will be held on July 21 at Desh Bhagat Yadgaar Hall, Jalandhar.
About the Author
Ms Anuja Choudhary is a public policy enthusiast and Master in Philosophy from LSR, DU. With a keen eye for authenticity, she is currently honing her craft as a writer to pen down the voices with utmost sincerity and integrity.
