Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh announced on Monday the enforcement of three new criminal laws effective July 1st, recently introduced by the Union Home Ministry.
Address a formal gathering at the Palace Auditorium, Manipur State Film Development Society, N. Biren Singh stated that the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) 2023 have replaced the British-era Indian Penal Code, 1860, the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, and the Indian Evidence Act, 1872, respectively.
He highlighted that the new laws include provisions for a maximum of two adjournments in court cases and the ability to file zero-FIR at any police station, emphasizing their potential benefits to the public.
The chief minister underscored that FIRs can now be filed in one’s native language under the updated laws.
Describing the laws as modern and effective, he stressed the critical nature of their implementation. He cautioned that without sincerity from implementing agencies such as security officers and lawyers, the laws would not achieve their intended outcomes. He urged all stakeholders to work with dedication to ensure justice for all.
CM Biren Singh attributed the introduction of these laws by the Central government to the need to address technological advancements and societal changes that existing laws were inadequate to handle.
These reforms aim to overhaul India’s criminal justice system with a victim-centered approach, increased emphasis on national security, and the introduction of digital/electronic evidence reviews.
The chief minister also highlighted provisions against mob justice, urging the people of the state to refrain from vigilantism and promote dialogue and peaceful conflict resolution.
Additional reforms include revised penalties for certain offenses and addressing issues such as jurisdictional clarity, case backlogs, insufficient human resources and infrastructure, and outdated legal procedures.
CM Biren Singh outlined key features of the new laws, noting that under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, corporate offenses primarily involve cheating, criminal misappropriation, breach of trust, forgery, and the use of forged documents.
He also emphasized that the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023 defines new types of electronic evidence, grants powers to courts and police for issuing summons in cases involving digital evidence, clarifies jurisdiction in electronic fraud cases, and allows courts to request electronic filings for voluminous documents.
The Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) 2023 expands the definition of ‘document’ to include electronic and digital records, classifies electronic evidence as primary evidence when handled properly, and broadens the definition of ‘experts’ to include various areas of expertise.
These legislative changes are aimed at addressing challenges within India’s criminal justice system, leveraging advanced investigative methods and technology, according to the chief minister.
State Law and Legislative Affairs Minister Thounaojam Basantakumar Singh noted that Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023 includes provisions for community service, highlighting a shift from earlier laws focused primarily on punishment rather than rehabilitation.
The announcement event was attended by Minister Thongam Biswajit Singh, Minister Govindas Konthoujam, Minister Dr. Sapam Ranjan, Minister L Susindro Meitei, Minister Heikham Dingo, MLAs, Chief Secretary Vineet Joshi, DGP Rajiv Singh, administrative secretaries, senior police officials, eminent law officers, and law students, among others.
