The Lok Sabha on Wednesday approved three bills aimed at replacing outdated colonial-era criminal laws through a voice vote. Proposed by Home Minister Amit Shah, these bills—named Bharatiya Nyaya (Second) Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha (Second) Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya (Second) Bill—are set to replace the Indian Penal Code-1860, Code of Criminal Procedure Act-1898, and Indian Evidence Act of 1872, respectively.

During the proceedings, 97 Opposition MPs were absent due to suspensions resulting from misconduct and unruly behavior in the previous week. According to Shah, the new legislation seeks to establish a justice system aligned with Indian principles, challenging the colonial mindset of merely punishing crimes without ensuring justice.

Notably, the bills introduce a provision for trial in absentia within the criminal justice system, allowing proceedings to continue even in the absence of the accused. Shah cited instances such as the Mumbai bomb blast to emphasize the relevance of this provision for cases involving individuals hiding in other countries.

The reforms also address the timeframe for trials and plea bargaining processes. Accused individuals now have a seven-day window to file a plea for acquittal, with the judge required to conduct the hearing within that time frame. Additionally, a 120-day limit has been set for bringing a case to trial. The bills aim to streamline legal proceedings, especially for the economically disadvantaged, by expediting the process and minimizing delays.

Shah underscored that the legislative changes involve significant modifications to the existing criminal procedure code, with alterations in 177 sections, the addition of 9 new sections, 39 new sub-sections, and 44 new provisions. The overarching goal is to enhance the efficiency of India's criminal justice system.