Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023 is India’s modern criminal code designed to replace the Indian Penal Code of 1860 with a streamlined, citizen-centric, and technology-ready framework. It aligns criminal law with constitutional values, strengthens safeguards for victims, and addresses contemporary crimes such as cyber fraud, organized crime, terrorism, and offenses against women and children.
Purpose and Vision
- Establish a justice-oriented system that prioritizes speedy, transparent, and fair outcomes.
- Remove colonial-era gaps and outdated provisions to reflect India’s present social and technological realities.
- Create simpler, clearer legal definitions and gradations of offenses for consistent enforcement nationwide.
Core Principles
- Justice over mere punishment, with space for rehabilitation like community service where appropriate.
- Protection of fundamental rights and dignity, including gender inclusivity and child-centric language.
- Deterrence against new-age crimes through stronger definitions, penalties, and processes.
What’s New in Focus
- Contemporary offenses: cybercrime, identity theft, digital fraud, organized crime, terrorism financing, trafficking, and snatching.
- Victim-centric approach: improved compensation, protection, and support mechanisms.
- Digital integration: electronic FIRs, digital evidence handling, and use of technology to reduce delays.
How It Differs From IPC
- Simplified structure to reduce ambiguity and improve implementation.
- Reframed or removed provisions inconsistent with constitutional principles and Supreme Court rulings.
- Clearer hierarchy of offenses and penalties for uniform application across jurisdictions.
Benefits for Stakeholders
- Citizens: quicker redressal, clearer rights, and improved safety.
- Law enforcement: standardized definitions and processes for efficient investigation.
- Judiciary: streamlined provisions aimed at reducing backlog and enabling faster trials.
- Students and professionals: modern, accessible code aligning with current practice and research needs.