Delhi Police Issues Simplified Guide on New Criminal Laws

Context

To help citizens and police personnel adapt to India’s new criminal law framework, the Delhi Police has released a simplified comparative guide mapping old provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) to their corresponding sections in the newly enacted Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).

Key Highlights

• New Legal Framework:
  The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) have replaced the IPC and CrPC, modernising India’s criminal justice system.
• Section Comparisons:
  • Theft: Now covered under Section 303(2) of the BNS (earlier Section 379 of IPC).
  • Cheating: Shifted to Section 318(4) of BNS (earlier Section 420 of IPC).
  • Rape: Redefined under Section 64 of BNS (earlier Section 376 of IPC).
  • Attempt to Murder: Now under Section 109 of BNS (earlier Section 307 of IPC).
  • Murder: Defined under Section 103 of BNS (earlier Section 302 of IPC).
• Procedural Changes:
  • Public Nuisance: Addressed under Section 163 of BNSS (earlier Section 144 of CrPC).
  • Filing Information in Cognizable Cases: Now under Section 173 of BNSS (earlier Section 154 of CrPC).
• Public Access:
  Citizens can reach emergency services at 112 and provide information or feedback through 14547.

Detailed View

1. Modernisation of Criminal Law
   The new laws aim to simplify, digitise, and humanise the criminal justice system—incorporating technology-enabled investigation, time-bound trials, and victim-centric justice. Outdated colonial-era language has been replaced with clearer, citizen-friendly terminology.
2. Focus on Citizen Empowerment
   The Delhi Police guide is designed to bridge the knowledge gap for both citizens and law enforcement officials, ensuring smoother transition and better legal literacy.
3. Enhancing Public Safety
   By clarifying procedures for reporting cognizable offences and preventive actions, the reforms are expected to improve response times and accountability in policing.

Key Concepts

• Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS):
  India’s new penal code, replacing the IPC. It redefines crimes and penalties with emphasis on citizen rights, victim justice, and faster trials.
• Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS):
  The new procedural law, replacing the CrPC. It streamlines investigations, arrests, bail, and trial mechanisms, integrating digital evidence and e-FIR provisions.
• Cognizable Offence:
  An offence where the police can arrest without a warrant and begin investigation immediately (e.g., murder, theft, rape).