Centre brings bill to replace IPC, CrPC

New Delhi: In a landmark overhaul of colonial-era criminal laws, the Centre on Friday introduced in the Lok Sabha three bills to replace the IPC, CrPC and Indian Evidence Act, proposing among other things repeal of the sedition law and introducing a new provision with a wider definition of the offence.

Besides defining terrorism for the first time, the changes aimed at transforming the country's criminal justice system included provisions for maximum capital punishment for mob lynching, sexual assaults on minors, maximum 20- year imprisonment for all types of gang-rape and community service as one of the punishments for firsttime petty offences.

Union Home Minister A mit Shah introduced Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Bill, 2023; Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) Bill, 2023; and Bharatiya Sakshya (BS) Bill, 2023 that will replace the Indian Penal Code, 1860, Criminal Procedure Act, 1898, and the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 respectively.

The BNS bill provides for changes in provisions including that of defamation and attempt to commit suicide. (PTI)