First detention conducted in India under new criminal rules
Date
7/16/2024 8:53:04 AM
(MENAFN) In a significant development following the implementation of India’s new criminal laws, a street vendor has been arrested in the capital city for allegedly “obstructing a footbridge” at a railway station. The vendor, identified as Pankaj Kumar, was selling tobacco and water when Police instructed him to relocate his cart. Reports indicate that Kumar ignored these requests, leading to a case being filed against him under Section 285 of the newly enacted legislation.
These new laws, which officially came into effect on Monday, replace the colonial-era Indian Penal Code of 1860, the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1973, and the Indian Evidence Act of 1872. Passed by both houses of Parliament last December, this legislative shift is viewed as an effort by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration to move away from India's colonial legacy and modernize the country's criminal justice system. The new laws place a particular emphasis on national security and the protection of women and minors.
One of the most notable features of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the new Indian Penal Code, is its definition of “terrorism,” which is punishable by the death penalty or life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. The government aims to address rising concerns about crime and enhance the safety of its citizens through these reforms.
Indian Union Minister Amit Shah highlighted that the new statutes prioritize the punishment of crimes against women and children. He stated that offenses such as gang rape would carry a penalty of 20 years to life imprisonment, while rape of a minor could lead to the death penalty. Additionally, the legislation introduces a specific crime for sexual exploitation that involves deception through false identity or promises.
The arrest of Pankaj Kumar marks a pivotal moment in the enforcement of these new regulations, setting a precedent for how such laws will be applied in the future as India aims to redefine its legal landscape and enhance public safety.
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