Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023

The Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS) replaces the Indian Penal Code, 1860 — a colonial-era law in place for over 160 years. This landmark reform is part of India’s broader effort to modernize its criminal justice system by aligning laws with contemporary Indian values, technological advancements, and societal needs.

The BNS comprises 20 chapters and 358 sections, redefining core criminal offences and penalties. It retains several provisions from the IPC but reorganizes them for clarity and relevance while introducing significant new elements. Key reforms include a sharper focus on victim-centric justice, time-bound investigations, community service as a form of punishment, and recognition of technology-driven crimes like cyber fraud, deepfakes, and electronic impersonation.

One of the most impactful changes is the inclusion of “Mob Lynching” as a specific offence for the first time in Indian criminal law. It also redefines terrorism and organized crime, assigning stringent penalties to acts that threaten national security or cause mass harm. The new code also introduces summary trials and in absentia trials for absconding accused to prevent justice from being delayed indefinitely.

Importantly, the BNS places strong emphasis on speedy justice by enforcing deadlines for investigations and charge filing — 90 days for general offences and 120 days for crimes against women and children. Provisions also mandate that police must register an FIR in cases involving women and children, ensuring greater accountability.

The code is written in simplified, gender-neutral language, removing archaic colonial terminology and improving accessibility. Terms like “Hurt,” “Grievous Hurt,” and “Assault” have been rephrased for clarity. It also replaces references to the British Crown and colonial structures with terms rooted in India’s constitutional democracy.

Overall, the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 represents a foundational shift in how crime and punishment are defined and administered in India. It reflects the country’s evolving socio-political landscape and aims to deliver justice that is faster, fairer, and more inclusive, while safeguarding individual rights and public order.