Text Book of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita

The relevancy of criminal law plays a vital role in the jurisprudence of every country. The BharatiyaNagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS) has come into effect from July 1, 2024. It represents a comprehensive and progressive reform of the criminal procedure laws in India, replacing the erstwhile Criminal Procedure Code, 1973. This significant legislative overhaul is aimed at enhancing the efficacy, transparency, and fairness of the criminal justice system in India, reflecting the evolving needs and aspirations of a modern democratic society. The key features of the BNSS includes enhanced victim rights, transparency and accountability, use of technology, speedy justice, protecting rights of the accused and introduces community service. It also amends provisions on bail, expands the scope of property seizure, and alters powers of police and Magistrates. The new act adopts a “citizen centric” approach, harmonizing the rights of both the accused and the victims, respecting the human rights principles. The central government has claimed while introducing the law that it has structured with the spirit of “citizen first, dignity first and justice first”. The very purpose of the introduction of the act to criminal justice system is to impart speedy justice and creating a legal system that keeps contemporary needs and aspirations of the people. The act sets up the machinery for detecting crime, apprehending suspected criminals, gathering evidence, determining the guilt or innocence of the suspected person, and imposing suitable punishment on the guilty person.

As we implement The BharatiyaNagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS), we are committed to continuous improvement and adaptation, ensuring that our criminal justice system remains responsive to the changing dynamics of our society and upholds the rule of law in letter and spirit.