New criminal laws to take effect on July 1: Training for judges and police underway

KOCHI: Starting July 1, new criminal laws will come into force, with the government providing training to judges, policemen, jail officials and others. Lawyers are hopeful for some reprieve under these changes. Current litigations will remain unaffected but any further investigation or evidence collection will adhere to the new laws.

The Indian Penal Code (IPC), Code of Criminal Procedure and Law of Evidence are being replaced by the Bharatiya Nyaya Samhita (2023), Nagarik Suraksha Samhita and Sakshya Adhiniyam respectively. A petition to stay the new codes has reached the Supreme Court.

Key changes

- Murder: IPC Section 302 is now Section 103, with 302 now for usurpers

- Prohibitory order: From 144 to 187

- Rape: From 375 to 63

- Dowry death: From 304B to 80

- Bribery: From 171B to 170

- Sedition: From 124A to 150

- Cheating: Under Section 316

- Criminal conspiracy: From 120A to 60(1)

- Theft: From 378 to 303

- Betrayal: From 405 to 316

- Defamation: From 499 to 356

- Fraud: No section matches the current 420 in the new law.

New sections introduced

- Terrorist activity: Section 113

- Organized crime: Section 111

Both sections were not part of the IPC and were previously handled separately. Additionally, Section 377, criminalizing homosexuality and Section 497, against adultery have been omitted.