NIT Rourkela organised a Lecture on India’s New Criminal Laws and Their Implementation’
Rourkela: NIT Rourkela organized a Lecture on “India’s New Criminal Laws and Their Implementation” for creating awareness and highlighting the significance and impact of these new laws on society. The event, presented by Shri Adwita Kumar Panda, Advocate, Orissa High Court, Cuttack took place today in the Senate Hall of the NIT Rourkela administration building. The new Criminal Laws, namely Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023, will come into force on July 1, 2024. These laws will replace the Indian Penal Code 1860, the Code of Criminal Procedure 1973 and the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 respectively.
The moderator, Shri A. K. Panda, began the session with his introductory remarks, stating, “The new laws are an attempt to decolonize those established during the British era and to reflect the evolving perspectives of our modern society on Indian criminal justice system.” He then provided insights into the provisions of the new criminal laws and shared updates on their implementation and practice. The lecture session delved into key amendments, including decriminalising certain offences, modifications in victim compensation, alterations in investigation procedures, and revisions in bail provisions. The first lecture series concentrated primarily on the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023. Topics thoroughly discussed included new laws on mob lynching, organized crime, false information imputations, offences against women and children, community service as punishment, fines, and new terms of imprisonment.
Further, the session elaborated on the changes in the admissibility of electronic evidence and the use of social media and ‘cybercrime’. The impact of these changes on various facets of society and judicial discretion was briefed in detail. This lecture served as a platform to engage in meaningful dialogues, share insights, and broaden the understanding of the evolving legal landscape. The event then concluded with a question-and-answer session.