In a historic move to reform India’s justice system, three new citizen-friendly laws—the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023, and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) 2023—have been introduced under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. These legislations, which replace colonial-era criminal laws, aim to enhance the standard of justice delivery and bring greater transparency and accountability to the system.
To raise awareness about the new laws, a State-Level Exhibition on New Criminal Laws was inaugurated today at the Indoor Exhibition Hall, Hapania, Agartala. The exhibition highlighted the objectives and features of the three legislations, drawing participation from legal experts, students, and members of civil society. The event underscored the government’s commitment to building a more modern and citizen-centric legal framework.
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023 focuses on substantive criminal law and introduces several provisions to strengthen victim rights and ensure faster trials. The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023 lays down procedural reforms to streamline investigation and trial processes, aiming to reduce delays in justice delivery. The Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) 2023 brings in changes to rules of evidence to make them more relevant in the digital era and in line with modern judicial requirements. Collectively, the three laws represent a shift from colonial justice to citizen-centric justice.
Speaking at the inauguration, officials emphasized that the new legislations are designed to provide a more efficient, transparent, and responsive justice system. They said that these reforms are in line with Prime Minister Modi’s vision of ensuring “Ease of Justice” for every Indian citizen. The exhibition also served as a platform to explain how the laws will impact everyday governance, law enforcement, and the functioning of courts across the country.
The reforms are expected to empower citizens by ensuring quicker investigations, stronger safeguards for women and vulnerable groups, and greater use of technology in the justice system. By replacing outdated laws with citizen-focused legislation, the government aims to make justice delivery more accessible, fair, and time-bound.
The event in Agartala reflected the growing momentum behind the implementation of these laws across the country. With widespread participation, it highlighted the importance of public engagement in understanding the transformative nature of these reforms. As India moves forward with the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, the nation is poised to witness a more transparent, efficient, and modern system of criminal justice delivery.