Human rights activists have expressed concern about the implementation of the three new criminal laws - Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Surkasha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshay Adhiniyam (BSA) of 2023, effective July 1. They have highlighted the significant gap between judicial vacancies and filled positions, which may hinder the effective implementation of these laws in court proceedings. The activists seek clarity on various aspects of the new laws, adopting a cautious approach to ensure that the changes ultimately serve the best interests of the common man and deliver justice in its true spirit.

Burdened system

“The implementation of the new criminal laws will precipitate a host of new problems. There are hundreds of thousands of cases pending in criminal courts. What is not clear is in how many of these cases the prosecution will insist on applying the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) even though the cases were registered under the CrPC,” said Venkatesh Nayak, Director Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI), New Delhi.