New Delhi: India’s historic criminal justice reforms—centered around the three new criminal laws—were showcased prominently in the Republic Day Parade tableau by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), highlighting the nation’s transition from a colonial, punishment-centric legal system to a modern, justice-oriented framework.
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), which came into force on July 1, 2024, replace the Indian Penal Code, the Code of Criminal Procedure and the Indian Evidence Act, respectively, marking a significant legal transformation in India’s criminal justice landscape.
India New Criminal Laws: Historic Legal Shift Highlighted at Republic Day Parade
On January 26, 2026, the Ministry of Home Affairs presented a specially designed tableau at the 77th Republic Day Parade in New Delhi that showcased the three new criminal laws.
Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah emphasized that this display symbolized India’s movement away from colonial legal vestiges and toward a people-centric justice system.
According to the report , the tableau featured innovations such as e-Sakshya, e-Summons, Nyaya Shruti, NAFIS and ICJS systems, which together embody modern, technology-driven justice reforms.
The presentation was purposefully designed to sensitize citizens about the primacy of fast, accurate and accessible justice that reflects the aspirations of New India.
What Are India’s New Criminal Laws?
Here are the details of India New Criminal Laws;
1. Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023
The BNS replaces the Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860, redefining offences, penalties and the philosophy of criminal liability. It retains key aspects of the former IPC while adding new offences and removing obsolete ones.
This new criminal code, which came into effect on July 1, 2024, also introduces rehabilitative measures such as community service for minor offences and provisions geared toward restorative justice.
2. Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023
Replacing the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1973, the BNSS streamlines criminal procedures. It introduces procedural reforms including time-bound investigations, bail and bond revisions, and expanded use of technology such as e-summons and digital case proceedings, aimed at expediting justice delivery.
3. Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), 2023
The BSA replaced the Indian Evidence Act, 1872, modernizing evidence law with clear recognition of electronic evidence, remote testimony options and updated rules tailored to today’s digital realities. This law strengthens the legal framework for admissibility and handling of digital records and technological evidence.
Importance of India New Criminal Laws
All three laws were enacted in December 2023, received presidential assent, and were implemented nationwide on July 1, 2024.
Collectively, they overhaul antiquated laws inherited from the British colonial era, replacing them with legal codes designed for contemporary Indian society—focusing on access, speed and fairness rather than pure punishment.
Technology and Justice
The Republic Day tableau’s emphasis on systems like e-Sakshya and NAFIS reflects the government’s push to integrate technology with justice delivery.
These tools include electronic summons, digital evidence capture and biometric identification, increasing transparency and efficiency.
Citizen-Centric Legal Framework
Under the new legal framework:
- FIRs can be filed electronically or from any station regardless of jurisdiction.
- Investigations are time-bound, making the system more predictable.
- First-time minor offenders may receive community service.
These changes are intended to make justice accessible, transparent and fair to all citizens.
Broader Implementation Efforts
Government and law enforcement agencies are adapting to the reforms through expanded training for police, forensic integration, and procedural updates.
States like Odisha have aligned police supervision structures with the new laws, requiring senior officers to oversee sensitive investigations such as terrorism and mob violence.
Some regions have launched public awareness initiatives called ‘pathshalas’ to educate citizens about their rights and responsibilities under the new codes.
Read also: How Assam Became Number One in Implementing India’s New Criminal Laws
