Rajya Sabha passes 3 criminal law reform bills, PM Modi says 'watershed moment'

The Rajya Sabha on Thursday passed three criminal bills — Bharatiya Nyaya (Second) Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha (Second) Sanhita, and Bharatiya Saksha (Second) Bill — in the absence of Opposition MPs from the Parliament.

The new bills were aimed at revamping the colonial-era criminal laws, with a focus on enhancing penalties for crimes such as terrorism, lynching, and offenses jeopardising national security.

The bills, which replace the Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, and Indian Evidence Act, had already received approval in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday.

Reacting to the development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X (formerly known as Twitter) and that the passage of the new criminal bills is a "watershed moment" in our history.

"The passage of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 is a watershed moment in our history. These Bills mark the end of colonial-era laws. A new era begins with laws centered on public service and welfare," PM Modi tweeted.

"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," the Prime Minister said.

He also said that the new bills will come down heavily on organised crime, terrorism and such offences which strike at the root of our peaceful journey to progress.

"In our Amrit Kaal, these legal reforms redefine our legal framework to be more relevant and empathy driven. These speeches by Home Minister Shri @AmitShah Ji further elaborate on the key features of these Bills," he added.

While replying to a debate in the Upper House of Parliament, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that the bills that repeal and replace the Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure and the Indian Evidence Act will usher in a new era in the criminal justice system.

The new bills will now go to the president for her assent, upon which these will become laws.

Replying to the debate, Shah said once the new criminal laws are implemented, the entire process from FIR to judgment will be online.

"Their implementation will ensure the end of the 'tareekh-pe-tareekh'-era and justice will be delivered in three years," he said.

Notably, the bills were passed in the Upper House in the absence of most opposition MPs, who were suspended for their "unruly behaviour" while pressing for a discussion on the December 13 security breach in Parliament.