'Watershed Moment In India's History': Prime Minister Modi Hails Passage Of New Criminal Law Bills In Parliament

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (21 December) hailed the passage of the three new criminal justice bills in the Parliament as a watershed moment in India's history.

The three legislations include the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023.

These new laws are set to replace several colonial-era Acts, including the Indian Penal Code-1860, the Code of Criminal Procedure-1898, and the Indian Evidence Act of 1872.

"The passage of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 is a watershed moment in our history," PM Modi said on X.

He said the Bills marked the beginning of a new era with laws centered on public service and welfare.

“Through them, we have also bid goodbye to the outdated sections on sedition,” he said.

"These transformative Bills are a testament to India's commitment to reform. They bring our legal, policing, and investigative systems into the modern era with a focus on technology and forensic science. These Bills ensure enhanced protection for the poor, marginalised and vulnerable sections of our society," he said.

“At the same time, these bills come down heavily on organised crimes, terrorism and such offences that strike at the root of our peaceful journey to progress. Through them, we have also bid goodbye to outdated sections on sedition," PM Modi said.

“In our Amrit Kaal, these legal reforms redefine our legal framework to be more relevant and empathy-driven," he added.