New criminal laws include zero FIR, videography of crime scenes

Zero FIR registration of police complaints online summons through electronic modes and mandatory videography of crime scenes of all heinous crimes are the key highlights of the three new criminal laws that will come into effect from July 1The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023 Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023 and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam 2023 mark a significant step towards empowering Indian citizens and aim to create a more accessible supportive and efficient justice system for everyone official sources saidThe new laws enacted late last year are set to replace the Britishera Indian Penal Code Code of Criminal Procedure and the Indian Evidence Act respectivelyUnder the new laws a person can now report incidents by electronic communication without the need to physically visit a police station This allows for easier and quicker reporting facilitating prompt action by the police the sources saidWith the introduction of zero FIR a person can file a First Information Report FIR at any police station regardless of jurisdiction This eliminates delays in initiating legal proceedings and ensures immediate reporting of the offenceUnder the new laws victims will receive a free copy of the FIR ensuring their participation in the legal processAn interesting addition of the law is that in the event of an arrest the individual has the right to inform a person of his choice about his or her situation This will ensure immediate support and assistance to the arrested individualBesides arrest details will now be prominently displayed within police stations and district headquarters allowing families and friends of the arrested person easy access to important informationTo strengthen the case and investigations it has become mandatory for forensic experts to visit crime scenes for serious offences and collect evidence Additionally the process of evidence collection at the crime scene will be mandatorily videographed to prevent tampering of evidenceThis dual approach significantly enhances the quality and reliability of investigations and contributes to a fair administration of justice the sources saidThe new laws prioritised the investigations for offences against women and children ensuring timely completion within two months of recording information Under the new law victims are entitled to regular updates on the progress of their case within 90 daysThis provision keeps the victims informed and involved in the legal process enhancing transparency and trustThe new laws guarantee free firstaid or medical treatment to victims of crimes against women and children at all hospitals This provision ensures immediate access to essential medical care prioritising the wellbeing and recovery of victims during challenging timesSummons can now be served electronically expediting the legal processes reducing paperwork and ensuring efficient communication between all parties involvedFor certain offences against women statements of the victim are to be recorded as far as practicable by a woman magistrate and in her absence by a male magistrate in the presence of a woman to ensure sensitivity and fairness creating a supportive environment for victimsBoth the accused and the victim are entitled to receive copies of the FIR police report chargesheet statements confessions and other documents within 14 daysCourts grant a maximum of two adjournments to avoid unnecessary delays in case hearings ensuring timely justice deliveryThe new laws mandate all state governments to implement witness protection scheme to ensure the safety and cooperation of witnesses and enhancing the credibility and effectiveness of legal proceedingsThe definition of gender now includes transgender individuals promoting inclusivity and equalityBy conducting all legal proceedings electronically the new laws offer convenience to victims witnesses and accused thereby streamlining and expediting the entire legal processIn order to provide more protection to the victim and enforce transparency in investigation related to an offence of rape the statement of the victim shall be recorded through audio video means by the policeWomen persons below 15 years persons above 60 years and those with disabilities or acute illness are exempt from attending police stations and can receive police assistance at their place of residenceA new chapter has been added in BNS specifically to address offences against women and children ensuring focused protection and justiceVarious offences against women and children have been made genderneutral in BNS covering all victims and perpetrators regardless of genderThe new laws introduce community service for minor offences in order to promote personal growth and social responsibility of an individual Under community service the offenders get the chance to positively contribute to society learn from their mistakes and build stronger community bondsUnder the new laws the fines imposed for certain crimes have been aligned with the severity of the offences ensuring fair and proportional punishment deterring future offences and maintaining public trust in the legal systemThe legal processes have been simplified to make them easier to understand and follow ensuring fair and accessible justiceThe new laws promise a faster and fair resolution of cases instilling confidence in the legal systemThe legislations were considered and passed by Parliament in its winter session in 2023 Total 37 members of Parliament from Lok Sabha and 40 from Rajya Sabha participated in the debateThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever