The Bar Council of India (BCI) has called on Bar Associations across India to avoid organizing strikes, protests, or agitations against the three new criminal laws set to take effect on July 1.

Yesterday, the BCI assured that it would establish a committee consisting of senior lawyers, former judges, impartial social activists, and journalists to address concerns raised regarding the new laws.

The BCI issued the communication after observing that several Bar Associations had indicated their intention to engage in indefinite agitations unless the new laws were suspended and subjected to thorough nationwide discussions, including a comprehensive review by Parliament.

"The Bar Council of India assures the Bar Associations and the legal fraternity that these issues are being taken seriously and there is no cause for immediate concern. Consequently, there is no immediate necessity for agitation, protests, or strikes in relation to this issue," the statement signed off by BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra said.

The three new criminal laws, namely the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), are scheduled to take effect on July 1.

The three bills proposing the enactment of these laws were passed by the Lok Sabha on December 20, 2023, despite the absence of 97 opposition Members of Parliament who were under suspension at the time. The Rajya Sabha passed the bills the following day.

On Wednesday, the State Bar Council of West Bengal announced that it would observe July 1, the day the new laws come into force, as 'Black Day'. This decision followed a resolution denouncing the three laws as anti-people, undemocratic, and likely to cause significant hardships for the common man.

In response to these developments, the BCI has assured that it will initiate discussions with the Central government to convey the concerns of the legal fraternity regarding the new laws.