About this act
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adiniyam (BSA) came into effect on July 1, 2024. These new laws aim to comprehensively overhaul India's criminal justice system.
The legislation comprises 531 sections distributed across 39 chapters. It introduces nine new sections, 39 new subsections or clauses, 44 new provisos and explanations, while deleting 14 existing provisions and modifying 177 others.
The new laws incorporate audio-video electronic means in 23 instances, and references to mobile phones in eight sections: 2(1)(i), 105, 176(1) proviso-2, 176(3), 183(6) proviso-4, 185(2) proviso, 356(5), and 497(3). Additionally, the term "cell" or "cellular phone" is introduced in three sections: 2(1)(f), 105, and 176, 183(6).
Audio-video conferencing is now permitted in Section 154, and audio-video players are referenced in Section 2(1)(i). The term "child" replaces "minor" in 11 places, including Section 245 on minor offenses. References to intellectual disability appear in 11 places, while infirmity is mentioned in Sections 219, 222, and 304. Acute illness is referenced in Sections 179 and 195.
The term "report of police officer" is used in Section 193, while "report of investigation" is introduced in Section 188. Notably, the terms "final report," "challan," and "charge sheet" have been eliminated.
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