3 Criminal Laws: What Are The Objections Around Them?

Going by the history of taking big decisions the BJP-led Union government brought three criminal laws that came into effect from July 1st. The new laws will replace the old laws in the country. In place of the Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, and the Indian Evidence Act, the government brought Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, Bhartiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita, and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam.

The BJP is saying that the new bills will help serve justice soon. On the contrary, there are a few objections to the bills. A few non-BJP-ruled states and experts raised a few objections to this.

The main objection to the laws is that the powers of the Police are increased. Earlier the Police could only detain a person for 15 days. But the same period is taken to 90 days under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita. There is an objection that the power might be misused.

Sitting for a strike has been a long-standing procedure. Under the new laws it is a punishable offense Hunger strikes is a serious issue as per the new bill which made strong objections from the opposition.

The demand to make Marital Rape punishable crime is an old one. A few organisations and activists staged protests demanding the same. But the code ignored marital rape which raised a few objections.

Another objection is that Community Service is notified as a petty offense. Those who are involved in this would get a big punishment. A few states are objecting to this asking if there is no correct definition to this and communities might be targeted.

States like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and West Bengal alleged that there are a few issues that need to be studied and are demanding a study of the laws. The usage of the language also raised some objections.

Talking about Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin had earlier written to the Centre. In the letter, he said that the laws should be withheld and the states should be consulted. The main objection he raised is that as per the Constitution, the bills that are passed by the Parliament should be in English.

Just like Tamil Nadu Karnataka also raised the language row. The Karnataka government said that the laws' names should be in English. It asked why a hunger strike is seen as an offence when suicide is not. Another big objection is 90-day police custody raising a human rights violation angle.

The states are asking why disrespecting the National Flag, National Anthem, and Mahatma Gandhi is not considered an offense under the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita. Section 69 Of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita says if a Man breaks up with a Woman after making false promises might land up in jail.