LS passes 4 bills by voice vote; ‘Trial in Absentia’ introduced in criminal law

The Lok Sabha on Wednesday passed three bills to replace the colonial-era criminal laws, by voice vote.

The three bills were introduced by home minister Amit Shah last week. The names of the redrafted bills are — the Bharatiya Nyaya (Second) Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha (Second) Sanhita and the Bharatiya Sakshya (Second) Bill. It also passed the Telecommunications Bill, 2023, with voice vote.

The proceedings took place in the absence of 97 Opposition MPs, who were suspended over misconduct and unruly behaviour since last week.

These three bills will replace the Indian Penal Code-1860, the Code of Criminal Procedure Act-1898, and the Indian Evidence Act of 1872, respectively.

Shah said the bills were framed after consultations. He said he had even gone through every comma and full stop before they were tabled in the Lok Sabha.

He said the three bills will establish a justice system based on Indian thinking. He said the existing laws reflect the colonial mindset of punishing for a crime but not doing justice.