In a historic move during the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament, the Lok Sabha has passed three significant criminal code legislations, replacing archaic colonial-era laws. The bills, introduced by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, aim to modernize and streamline the legal framework, addressing crucial issues such as mob lynching, and crime against women and children, and ensuring a more efficient and just judicial process.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, while advocating for the bills, emphasized their transformative nature, aiming to liberate the legal system from a colonial mindset. The three bills, namely the Bharatiya Nyaya (Second) Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha (Second) Sanhita, and the Bharatiya Sakshya (Second) Bill, received majority support in the Lok Sabha, marking a significant departure from outdated laws like the Indian Penal Code-1860, the Code of Criminal Procedure Act-1898, and the Indian Evidence Act of 1872.
Shah elaborated on the key features of the bills, stating that they prioritize crimes against women and children, the impact on human life, and national security. Notably, a provision for capital punishment in cases of mob lynching has been incorporated, underscoring the government’s commitment to tackling this heinous crime as reported by Hindustan Times.
The proposed legislation also introduces the concept of Trial in Absentia, expediting the legal process for individuals evading trial in other countries. Shah highlighted the importance of this provision, especially in cases like the Mumbai bomb blast, where perpetrators seek refuge abroad.
GST Tribunal Bill & Telecom Bill in Focus
While the Lok Sabha was actively engaged in reforming the criminal code, the Rajya Sabha approved the GST Tribunal Bill, streamlining the establishment of GST appellate tribunals. The bill introduces changes to the appointment terms, setting a minimum age of 50 years for members or the president of the tribunal.
Simultaneously, the Telecom Bill, introduced by Minister of Communications Ashwini Vaishnaw, cleared hurdles in the Lok Sabha just two days after its introduction. This legislation seeks to revamp the regulatory framework for the telecommunications sector, departing from outdated acts like the Indian Telegraph Act of 1885.
The Indian Telecommunications Bill 2023 aims to modernize the telecommunications sector, addressing various issues plaguing the industry. Notable features include the allocation, rather than auction, of satellite spectrum, a significant win for global players like Elon Musk’s Starlink, Amazon’s Kuiper, and Bharti Airtel’s OneWeb.
The bill also focuses on enhancing cybersecurity measures, mandating biometric identification for SIM cards, and protecting users from unwanted messages. It grants the government sweeping surveillance powers, allowing interception of messages in cases of public emergency or national security interests.
The Winter Session of Parliament has witnessed a landmark overhaul of India’s legal and regulatory landscape. The passage of criminal code legislation, approval of the GST Tribunal Bill, and progress on the Telecom Bill reflect the government’s commitment to ushering in a new era of justice, efficiency, and technological advancement. As the session continues, the nation awaits further developments that will shape the future of governance and legal frameworks in the country.
