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The Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 – Key Reforms
The Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, replaces the colonial-era Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), introducing significant procedural changes aimed at enhancing citizen safety and ensuring timely justice. The legislation emphasizes efficient law enforcement, speedy trials, and safeguarding the rights of individuals.
Key Reforms and Objectives
Technological Integration
- Extensive use of technology in filing complaints, recording statements, and evidence management.
- Introduction of e-FIRs for specific offenses to simplify the reporting process.
Witness Protection
- Comprehensive witness protection programs to ensure the safety and anonymity of witnesses.
- Strict penalties for witness intimidation or harassment.
Community Policing
- Encourages community participation in crime prevention and resolution.
- Formation of local committees to address minor disputes and grievances.
- Streamlining Investigations
- Mandates time-bound investigations for specific crimes.
- Provisions to reduce unnecessary arrests and detention.
Safeguards Against Police Misconduct
- Establishment of independent oversight mechanisms for investigating police conduct.
- Enhanced penalties for custodial violence and wrongful arrests.
Victim-Centric Provisions
- Simplified procedures for victims to access legal remedies and compensation.
- Special courts for handling crimes against women, children, and marginalized communities.
Juvenile Justice
- Revised procedures for handling juvenile offenders, ensuring rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
Procedural Fairness
- Promotes the principle of natural justice by ensuring fair and transparent procedures.
- Provisions to address delays in trials through case management systems.
Review Questions
- How does the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita utilize technology to enhance the efficiency of legal procedures?
- What measures have been included to protect witnesses under this legislation?
- Discuss the concept of community policing introduced by the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita.
- How does the legislation address police misconduct and custodial violence?
- What reforms have been introduced to expedite the investigation process in criminal cases?