On August 23, 2024, the Faculty of Law at Vishwakarma University, Pune, in collaboration with Police Communication, IT, and Transportation of Maharashtra State, organised a comprehensive symposium titled 'Charting Criminal Justice: A Symposium on the Implementation of New Criminal Laws.' This event was an in-depth exploration of the landmark legislative reforms in India, focusing on the three pivotal new bills: the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and Bharatiya Sakshya Sanhita, 2023.
These bills represent a significant overhaul of India’s criminal justice system, modernising outdated laws and introducing provisions for the challenges of a rapidly evolving society. The symposium provided a platform for experts, policymakers, and academics to discuss the implications and applications of these new laws, with the aim of fostering a more robust and fair legal system in line with Sustainable Development Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.
Panel Discussions
The event comprised three panel discussions, each dedicated to one of the new bills, offering deep dives into their significance and practical implications for India's legal landscape.
Panel Discussion 1: Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023
This session focused on the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS), which aims to replace the existing Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1973. The discussion covered key amendments such as changes in bail provisions, expanded powers for police and magistrates, and enhanced mechanisms for property seizure. The panel also addressed longstanding challenges in India’s criminal justice system, including delays in trials and the treatment of underprivileged groups.
Guest Speakers:
- Sunil Ramanand, Director & ADGP Communication, I.T. & Transportation, Maharashtra State
- Sneha Devkate, SDM, Pune Division
- Sunil Dhamal, Superintendent of Central Prison, Yerawada, Pune
- Milind Mohite, Superintendent of Police
- Divyanshu Priyadarshi, Assistant Professor, Department of Law, Vishwakarma University
Panel Discussion 2: Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
The second panel explored the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS), which is set to replace the Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860. The session addressed the introduction of new offences, the removal of outdated laws, and stricter penalties for various crimes. Emphasis was placed on offences affecting public order, morality, and property, as well as new provisions for crimes such as food adulteration, sacrilege, and sexual offences.
Guest Speakers:
- Sunil Ramanand, Director & ADGP Communication, I.T. & Transportation, Maharashtra State
- Sunil Dhamal, Superintendent of Central Prison, Yerawada, Pune
- Milind Datrange, Public Prosecutor
- Milind Mohite, Superintendent of Police
- Divyanshu Priyadarshi, Assistant Professor, Department of Law, Vishwakarma University
Panel Discussion 3: Bharatiya Sakshya Sanhita, 2023
The final panel centred on the Bharatiya Sakshya Sanhita, 2023 (BSB), which aims to replace the Indian Evidence Act (IEA), 1872. Discussions revolved around the new provisions that align with modern technological advancements, such as the admissibility of electronic records, and shifts in legal standards regarding consent in rape cases. The panellists highlighted the bill’s role in promoting transparency and fairness in evidence collection and admission.
Guest Speakers:
- Sneha Devkate, SDM, Pune Division
- Jyoti Prabhakar Divate, Assistant Director, DNA Division, RFSL Pune
- Milind Mohite, Superintendent of Police
- Milind Datrange, Public Prosecutor
- Rahi Ajabe, Assistant Professor, Department of Law, Vishwakarma University
Key Takeaways from the Symposium on New Criminal Laws at Vishwakarma University:
- Comprehensive Legal Reforms: The symposium focused on three pivotal bills—Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Sanhita—representing a modernisation of India's criminal justice system.
- Strengthening Justice: These reforms aim to replace outdated, colonial-era laws with modern legislation designed to address current societal challenges, improve trial speed, and protect citizens rights.
- Expert Insights: Panels featured legal experts and policymakers discussing key amendments, such as enhanced powers for police, updated bail provisions, stricter penalties, and the inclusion of new offences.
- Technological Advancements: The Bharatiya Sakshya Sanhita, 2023, specifically addresses the admissibility of electronic evidence, reflecting the need for contemporary legal frameworks in an increasingly digital world.
- Focus on Fairness and Transparency: Discussions emphasised legal provisions that promote fairness, including shifts in the burden of proof in sexual consent cases, and expanded rights for marginalised groups in legal proceedings.
- Collaborative Effort: The event showcased the importance of collaboration between academic institutions like Vishwakarma University and law enforcement agencies in advancing legal education and contributing to India’s evolving judicial system.
- SDG Alignment: The symposium aligned with SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, emphasising the role of these reforms in fostering a more just and inclusive legal system for all.
Conclusion
The symposium underscored the profound impact of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Sanhita in shaping India's future legal framework. By replacing colonial-era laws with more contemporary and nuanced legislation, these reforms promise to strengthen the criminal justice system, enhance the protection of citizens' rights, and ensure swift and fair trials. Vishwakarma University’s collaboration with the state authorities reflects a shared commitment to promoting legal education and contributing to the advancement of India’s judicial system.
