Comparative Tables of Indian Criminal Laws (2024 Update)
India has recently replaced colonial-era criminal laws with three new legislations: Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA). These replace the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), and Indian Evidence Act respectively. Below are the key comparative tables for quick reference. Law students, advocates, and researchers can also
IPC vs BNS
| Section | IPC (1860) | BNS (2023) |
|---|---|---|
| 124A | Sedition law – penalises disaffection against government | Reframed as acts endangering sovereignty, unity and integrity of India |
| 302 | Punishment for murder | Provision retained with clarity on life imprisonment and death penalty |
| 375 | Defines Rape | Expanded definition with inclusion of digital/forensic evidence |
CrPC vs BNSS
| Section | CrPC (1973) | BNSS (2023) |
|---|---|---|
| 154 | FIR registration (written/oral at police station) | E-FIR and Zero-FIR introduced |
| 161 | Examination of witnesses by police | Mandatory audio-video recording of witness statements |
| 167 | Maximum investigation period 60/90 days | Extended investigation time for serious offences |
Evidence Act vs Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam
| Section | Evidence Act (1872) | Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (2023) |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | Definition of Evidence (oral and documentary) | Expanded to include electronic and digital records |
| 65B | Electronic evidence admissibility with certificate | Simplified process for electronic records |
| 73 | Comparison of handwriting and signatures | Includes electronic signatures and biometric verification |
FAQs on New Indian Criminal Laws (2024)
1. What replaced IPC 1860?
The Indian Penal Code (IPC) has been replaced by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023.
2. What is BNSS?
Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023 replaces the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) 1973 with modern provisions like e-FIR and audio-video trials.
3. What is the major change in the Evidence Act?
The Indian Evidence Act, 1872 has been replaced with the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 which recognizes electronic and digital records as full evidence.
4. When did the new laws come into effect?
The new laws came into force from July 1, 2024.
Conclusion: These reforms aim to modernize India’s criminal justice system by embracing digital evidence, faster procedures, and stronger safeguards for victims. Law professionals must stay updated with these changes to effectively practice under the new framework.
