Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal emphasized that the Central Government remains steadfast in its decision to implement the new criminal laws starting from July 1, 2024. He restated that the laws, which will replace the Indian Penal Code 1860, the Indian Evidence Act 1872, and the Code of Criminal Procedure 1973, are scheduled to take effect from the specified date.

“From July 1, all three laws, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and Bharatiya Sakshya Act will replace Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act. Looking at the current situation, there are many innovative ideas in these three laws.”

The laws, passed by Parliament in December 2023 and receiving Presidential assent the same month, were initially deferred from coming into force by the Centre. However, on February 25, the Centre officially notified that these laws would be enforced starting July 1.

Recently, Senior Advocate Indira Jaising wrote to the Law Minister requesting a temporary suspension of the laws. Concerns have been raised by numerous lawyers and academics regarding the implications of these new laws.