The Institute of Constitutional and Parliamentary Studies (ICPS) successfully wrapped up its second training programme on newly enacted criminal laws on June 20th and 21st, 2024.
Following the resounding success of the initial session in May, which attracted over 100 participants and received glowing feedback, this second programme saw more than 80 government officers and officials in attendance. Designed for officials from various government ministries, state assemblies, and Union Territories, this training aims to ready legal practitioners for the significant changes in India’s criminal justice system set to take effect on July 1, 2024.
The new laws—Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023—are poised to replace the outdated Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, and Indian Evidence Act, respectively. These updates address contemporary issues and enhance the efficiency of the legal framework.
ICPS, a prestigious research institute led by the Hon’ble Speaker of the Lok Sabha, organizes academic, research, and training programmes in constitutional and parliamentary studies. The institute serves as a hub for the dissemination of democratic values and fosters collaboration between statesmen, academicians, researchers, and legal practitioners.
The newly introduced laws signify a monumental shift in India’s legal landscape. The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, introduces measures to combat modern crimes like cyber-crimes, organized crime, and environmental offenses, ensuring that the legal system keeps pace with technological and societal changes. The Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023, emphasizes the importance of digital evidence, incorporating provisions for the admissibility and authentication of electronic records and digital communications. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, aims to bolster community security and public order, enhancing the role of law enforcement agencies in adapting to the dynamic nature of public safety.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has played a crucial role in recommending ICPS to lead this essential training programme. Recognizing the importance of these legal reforms, the MHA has entrusted ICPS with educating and equipping legal professionals to implement these new laws effectively. This partnership highlights the critical role of continuous education and training in transitioning to a modernized legal framework.
The second training programme featured distinguished faculty members, including Prof. KA Pandey, Dr. B.T. Kaul, Ms. Prachi Pratap, Dr. Seema Singh, Dr. B. Ramawamy, Ms. Anika Bali, Dr. Asad Malik, and Mr. Vishavjeet Chaudhary, who provided comprehensive insights into the new laws. The programme included three panel discussions, each focusing on one of the new laws and featuring 2-3 expert resource persons. Each discussion was followed by a question-and-answer session, allowing participants to engage directly with the experts and gain a thorough understanding of the reforms.
As India transitions to this modern legal framework, ICPS remains at the forefront of legal education and reform, ensuring justice is accessible and equitable for all citizens.
