The Centre has decided to withdraw the three new criminal law bills introduced in the Lok Sabha following recommendations by the parliamentary standing committee. The updated versions of the redrafted bills, based on the committee’s suggestions, are likely to be introduced in Parliament on Tuesday.

The three Bills, namely The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill, 2023, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita Bill, 2023, and the Bharatiya Sakshya Bill, 2023, are aimed to replace the British-era laws — the Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, and the Indian Evidence Act, respectively.

During the Monsoon Session on August 11, Home Minister Amit Shah announced these Bills. The decision to withdraw arose after the committee consulted with experts and stakeholders. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill, 2023, specifically intended to amend the Indian Penal Code, underwent scrutiny and recommendations by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs, leading to proposed amendments.

On August 18, the bill was referred to the department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs for consideration.

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Amit Shah said that after several discussions involving the officials of Home Affairs and Law and Justice Ministries, experts, and stakeholders, the committee submitted recommendations on November 10. Consequently, the government plans to introduce a new bill in place of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill, 2023, incorporating the committee’s suggestions, PTI reported.

“Based on the recommendations of the committee, amendments are proposed in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill, 2023. It is proposed to introduce a new bill in place of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill, 2023,” he conveyed to the Parliament.

Similar actions are anticipated for the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam bills.