The three new criminal laws - Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam took effect on July 1, altering India's justice system and replacing colonial-era legislations.
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The three new laws will replace the old Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure and Indian Evidence Act.
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Here are the key features of the three new criminal laws.
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Criminal case judgments must be delivered within 45 days after the trial ends. Charges must be framed within 60 days of the first hearing.
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All state governments must implement witness protection schemes to ensure the safety and cooperation of witnesses.
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Statements from rape victims should be recorded by a female police officer in the presence of the victim's guardian or relative. Medical reports must be completed within 7 days.
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Buying and selling a child considered a heinous crime, punishable by severe penalties. Gangrape of a minor can result in a death sentence or life imprisonment.
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The new laws include punishments for cases where women are abandoned after being misled by false promises of marriage.
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Victims of crimes against women entitled to receive regular updates within 90 days. All hospitals required to provide free first-aid or medical treatment to the victims of crimes against women and children.
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The accused and the victim are entitled to receive copies of the FIR, police report, charge sheet, statements, and other documents within 14 days. Courts allowed a maximum of two adjournments to avoid unnecessary delays in case hearings.
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Incidents can be reported via electronic communication. Zero FIR allows individuals to file a FIR at any police station, regardless of jurisdiction.
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Forensic experts must mandatorily visit crime scenes for serious offenses and collect evidence. The process of evidence collection at the crime scene should be mandatorily videographed to prevent tampering of evidence.