New Criminal Laws Come Into Force: Zero FIR, E-Summons, Mandatory Videography Of Crime Scenes | All You Need To Know

The three new criminal laws — Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023 and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam 2023– came into force on Monday, July 1, bringing sweeping changes in India’s criminal justice system as they replaced the British-era Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure and the Indian Evidence Act, respectively.

The new criminal laws allow a person to report an incident via electronic methods without the need to physically visit a police station, allowing for quicker and much more convenient method of reporting crimes, facilitating prompt action by the cops.

Here’s all you need to know about some of the key features of the new criminal laws:

Zero FIR

The new laws have introduced Zero FIR, which essentially does away with the concept of jurisdiction, means that one can file a First Information Report (FIR) at any police station across the country.

The Zero FIR introduces a revolutionary change in the way crimes are reported as it ensures that an offence is reported immediately, which facilitate prompt legal proceedings.

Now, file FIR via electronic methods, complainant to receive copy

The new laws had made it easier and faster to file a police complaint as the complainant can now do so via electronic methods without having to physically visit the police station.

The complainant will also receive a free copy of the FIR, boosting transparency and allowing participation in the legal process.

Rights of arrested person

Another major step which boosts transparent policing is the right granted to an arrested person to inform an individual of their choice about their situation, ensuring immediate support and assistance to the arrested individual.

The new laws also mandate that arrest details be prominently displayed within police stations and district headquarters, allowing families and friends of the arrested person easy access to important information.

Mandatory videography of crime scenes

The new criminal laws have made it mandatory for the police to videograph the evidence collection process at crime scenes in order to prevent any tampering of evidence.

Additionally, it is also now mandatory for forensics teams to visit visit crime scenes for serious offences and collect evidence.

Priority investigations for crimes against women, children

Under the new laws, investigations in crimes against women and children have been prioritised to ensure timely delivery of justice, as the probes now need to completed within a period of two months.

To ensure transparency, victims are entitled to regular updates on the progress of their case within 90 days, thus keeping them informed about the progress of their case and involving them in the legal process.

Free medical treatment to women, children victims

Women and children who are victims of crimes against them, are now guaranteed free free first-aid or medical treatment at all hospitals under the new laws, ensuring the victims have immediate access to medical care and facilitating their recovery and well-being.

E-summons

The new laws have also introduced the provision of e-summons, which means summons can now be served via electronic methods, thus reducing paperwork and ensuring efficient communication between stakeholders.

Witness protection, timely delivery of justice

Under the new criminal laws, all state governments must mandatorily implement a witness protection scheme to ensure the safety and cooperation of witnesses. This will boost the effectiveness of legal proceedings as less witnesses are likely to turn hostile.

In order to ensure the safety of rape victims, police will now record their statement via audio and visual means, thus ensuring more protection to the victims in such cases.

The new laws also introduce provision to ensure timely delivery of justice as courts can now only grant a maximum of two adjournments to avoid unnecessary delays in case hearings.

Exemption from attending police stations

Under the new laws, women, minors under 15 years of age, persons above 60 years and those with disabilities or acute illness are exempted from attending police stations and can receive police assistance at their home.