'Watershed moment for our society', says CJI Chandrachud on new criminal justice laws

Hailing the enactment of the new criminal justice laws as a watershed moment for society, Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud on Saturday said India is set for a significant overhaul of its criminal justice system.

Speaking at a conference here on ‘India’s Progressive Path in the Administration of Criminal Justice System’, he said the new laws would be successful if those, who are in charge of implementing them, adapt to them.

These new laws have transitioned India’s legal framework on criminal justice into a new age, the CJI said.

He also said much-needed improvements have been introduced to protect the interests of victims and carry out investigation and prosecution of offences efficiently.

“India is set for a significant overhaul of its criminal justice system with the upcoming implementation of three new criminal laws... These laws signify a watershed moment for our society because no law affects the day-to-day conduct of our society like the criminal law.

“The enactment of these laws by Parliament is a clear indication that India is changing and on the move, and needs new legal instruments to deal with the current challenges,” the CJI said.

Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, Attorney General R Venkataramani and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta were also present at the conference.

The new laws -- the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and the Bharatiya Sakshya Act -- to completely overhaul the country’s criminal justice system will come into effect from July 1.

However, the provision related to cases of hit-and-run by vehicle drivers would not be implemented immediately.