Editor,
On 11 August, 2023, the union home minister introduced three new bills in the Lok Sabha, namely, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 to replace the Indian Penal Code, 1860; the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 to replace the Code of Criminal Procedure 1973; and the Bharatiya Sakshya Sanghita, 2023 to replace the Indian Evidence Act, 1872.
The bills were later referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs for detailed examination and comments.
However, it is dismaying to find that there is very little discussion in the public domain about these three bills, which are likely to have a huge impact on daily lives of ordinary Indian citizens. The absence of public debate and media coverage in this part of India is more pronounced. We urge everyone concerned to initiate public discourse on these three new bills pertaining to the union home ministry. The opinions of the experts and distinguished police personnel are urgently required before the legislation of these bills. Media houses should also take the initiatives in this regard.
Further, even the best intended legislations can do little if there is no reform in the Indian police system. Perhaps the government would do better if police reforms are carried out before such bills are passed by the Parliament.
D Bhutia,
Guwahati