New criminal laws need strong infrastructure to bring change, says DY Chandrachud
The chief justice described the laws as a ‘watershed moment for society’ but anticipated ‘loopholes’ that will need to be addressed once they are implemented.
Chief Justice DY Chandrachud on Saturday said that India’s three new criminal laws need to be accompanied with investments in infrastructure and capacity building “as soon as possible” if they are to bring about a positive change in the criminal justice system, reported Live Law.
Chandrachud was speaking at a conference in New Delhi – “India’s Progressive Path in the Administration of Criminal Justice System” – organised by the Ministry of Law and Justice.
The three new criminal bills had been passed by Parliament in December and will take effect on July 1. The Bharatiya Nyaya (Second) Sanhita will replace the colonial-era Indian Penal Code, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha (Second) Sanhita will replace the Code of Criminal Procedure and the Bharatiya Sakshya (Second) Bills will replace the Indian Evidence Act.
On Saturday, Chandrachud said that the new laws “signify a watershed moment for our society” and create provisions that are “synchronised to our times”. However, the infrastructure accompanying the legislation needs to be adequately developed “for the country to reap the benefits”, he said.
“This naturally means that we must heavily invest in capacity building of our forensic experts, conduct training of investigating officers, and invest in our court system,” the chief justice said. “Key provisions of the new criminal law...
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