The Madras Bar Association expressed its objection and dismay on Friday regarding the use of ‘Hindi’ names for bills that are intended to replace the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), and Evidence Act. The association stated that this move by the central government goes against the principles of the Constitution of India.
The resolution, passed unanimously, conveyed, “The Madras Bar Association expresses its objection and anguish over the naming of the Bills, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill, 2023, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita Bill, 2023, and Bharatiya Sakhshya Bill, 2023, in Hindi by replacing the Indian Penal Code 1860, Criminal Procedure Code 1973 & Evidence Acts 1872 and the same is against the Provisions of the Constitution of India and it is further resolved that the suggestions/views for the said Bills will be sent shortly to the Minister of Law, Government of India with a request to re-consider and restore the original names of the aforesaid Acts.”
On August 11, Union Home Minister Amit Shah introduced three bills in the Lok Sabha to replace the Indian Penal Code, the Code of Criminal Procedure, and the Indian Evidence Act – laws that have origins in the British colonial era. Amit Shah mentioned that provisions for sedition offenses would be completely repealed in the new bill replacing the IPC. “I can assure the House that these bills will transform our criminal justice system,” stated the home minister.
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill, 2023, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita Bill, 2023, and Bharatiya Sakhshya Bill, 2023 have been referred to the Standing Committee on Home Affairs. The Committee has three months to conduct consultations and submit a report on the three bills, which aim to replace the Indian Penal Code, 1860, the Criminal Procedure Code, 1898, and the Indian Evidence Act, 1872.
