New Indian Criminal Law: Tough Penalties For Mob Lynching, Including Death Penalty

From July 1, Monday, new criminal laws have come into force in the country. Home Minister Amit Shah said that the implementation of three new laws will prioritize justice over punishment and ensure immediate hearings instead of delays. During this period, he mentioned the law on mob lynching. He said that there was no provision in the previous law regarding the crime of mob lynching. Now, for the first time, mob lynching has been defined in the new laws. In cases of mob lynching, there is a provision for imprisonment or life imprisonment of up to 7 years, including the death penalty.

Amit Shah announced that after 77 years of independence, India is adopting a revamped criminal justice system. New laws specifically address mob lynching, encompassing crimes from assault to grievous injury under Sections 100-146. Offenders in mob lynching cases could face a minimum of 7 years imprisonment, with provisions for life imprisonment or the death penalty. Additionally, Section 103 covers cases of murder, while Section 111 provides penalties for organized crime. Section 113 delineates provisions under the Terror Act.

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What Are The New Criminal Laws

Starting Monday, the Indian Penal Code (IPC) 2023, Indian Citizenship Security Act (ICSA) 2023, and Indian Evidence Act (IEA) 2023 have become effective nationwide, replacing sequentially the British-era laws: Indian Penal Code (IPC), Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), and Indian Evidence Act. Amit Shah announced that 99.9 percent of police stations nationwide have undergone computerization. The process of generating e-records began in 2019. Zero First Information Reports (FIRs), e-FIRs, and charge sheets will all be digital. The new laws mandate forensic investigation for crimes punishable by seven years or more. Furthermore, they have trained 21,000 subordinate judiciary members and 20,000 public prosecutors.

In 2020, Amit Shah clarified that the government consulted all Members of Parliament, Chief Ministers, Supreme Court justices, and High Court judges by sending letters seeking their suggestions. The Home Secretary sought recommendations from all IPS and district officers across the country on this matter. Shah disclosed that he personally chaired 158 review meetings on these laws. Subsequently, they were sent to the Home Ministry committee. After extensive deliberations lasting two to three months, with some political suggestions omitted, the Cabinet re-approved these bills with 93 amendments.

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