The Changing Landscape of Criminal Justice in India: Understanding the New Legal Framework (2023–2026)
The Changing Landscape of Criminal Justice in India: Understanding the New Legal Framework (2023–2026) The Indian criminal justice system is undergoing a historic transformation with the enforcement of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS), the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS), and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 (BSA). These enactments have replaced the colonial-era Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure and Indian Evidence Act, marking a structural shift toward a modern, technology-driven procedural framework. The Supreme Court of India has also been actively monitoring deficiencies in criminal trials through its suo motu jurisdiction in In Re: To Issue Certain Guidelines Regarding Inadequacies and Deficiencies in Criminal Trials. The Court had earlier framed Draft Rules of Criminal Practice in 2021 to ensure uniformity in investigation, procedure, evidence recording,rding and judgment writing. With the coming into force of the new criminal codes, the Ho...