Tamsil Shahezad Khan | Editor | 19:58 IST
New Delhi- In a significant move to reshape the country's criminal justice system, Union Home Minister Amit Shah disclosed on Wednesday the inclusion of a death penalty provision for the heinous crime of mob lynching. The proposed laws, centered around prioritizing "justice" over mere "punishment," were deliberated upon during the discussion of three new criminal law bills in the Lok Sabha.
Passage of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha, and Bharatiya Sakshya Bills
The legislative strides were made as the Lok Sabha successfully passed the Bharatiya Nyaya (Second) Sanhita Bill, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha (Second) Sanhita Bill, and the Bharatiya Sakshya (Second) Bill on the same day.
Alarming Rise in Mob Lynching Cases Prompts Legislative Action
A comprehensive analysis by IndiaSpend revealed a disturbing trend in mob-related violence, particularly cow-related incidents, with 66 cases reported between 2010 and 2017. Shockingly, 97 percent of these incidents occurred after 2014. The urgency for legal intervention is underscored by the surge in mob lynching cases, recording 23 incidents in 2020 compared to 107 in 2019. Tragically, these incidents claimed the lives of 22 individuals.
Amit Shah's Historic Move: Abolishing Sedition Law
Addressing the Lok Sabha, Shah made another landmark announcement, signaling the elimination of the sedition law. He drew attention to its oppressive historical use by the British to detain Indian freedom fighters. Shah emphasized, "For the first time, the Modi government has decided to completely abolish the sedition law."
Transformative Legislation Prioritizes Justice Over Punishment
Highlighting the transformative nature of the proposed legislation, Shah explained that the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, set to replace the Indian Penal Code, shifts the focus towards justice rather than punishment. These bills, initially introduced during the Monsoon Session, underwent amendments presented by Shah in the Winter Session.
Key Changes Emphasized by Amit Shah
Amit Shah underscored key changes, including heightened police accountability. The new laws mandate the recording of details about arrested individuals at every police station, with a designated officer responsible for maintaining these records. Shah also pointed out gender-neutral modifications in trafficking laws and the automatic application of POCSO equivalent provisions for the rape of a girl under 18 years of age.
The proposed laws signify a comprehensive effort by the government to address the rising menace of mob lynching and usher in a justice-centric approach within the criminal justice system.
