The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which will replace the Indian Penal Code (IPC) starting July 1, 2024, introduces several new sections and modifications. Here are some key updates:
- New Offences: BNS includes new offences such as:
- Organised crime (Section 111)
- Petty organised crime (Section 112)
- Terrorist acts (Section 113)
- Snatching (Section 304)
- Sexual intercourse by employing deceitful means (Section 69)
- Grievous hurt causing permanent disability (Section 117(3))
- Hiring, employing, or engaging a child to commit an offence (Section 95).
- Deleted Offences: Several IPC offences are not part of BNS, including adultery, sedition, sexual intercourse against the order of nature, and attempt to commit suicide.
- Enhanced Punishments: BNS has increased penalties for 33 offences, including causing death by negligence, criminal breach of trust, and cheating. Fines have also been increased for 83 offences.
- Community Service: For six petty offences, community service can be imposed as a punishment.
- Focus on Women and Children: Offences against women and children, previously scattered across various IPC chapters, are consolidated into Chapter V in BNS (Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita).
- Technological Integration: BNS emphasizes using technology for efficient case management, digitization of records, and online court proceedings, aligning with broader digital transformation initiatives (Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita).
These changes aim to modernize and streamline India’s judicial system, addressing procedural complexities and improving the efficiency of legal processes. For more detailed information, you can refer to the official overview on Ministry of Home Affairs websites.