On Wednesday (20 December), the Lok Sabha approved the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha, Bharatiya Nyaya Samhita Bill and the Bharatiya Sakshya (Second) Bill via a voice vote.

On Tuesday, the Central government initiated consideration of three bills intended to replace the current British-era criminal laws, this was done in the Lok Sabha where a majority of Opposition MPs were absent.

The Bharatiya Nyaya Samhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam are new Bills that were presented in the Lok Sabha in August. These are set to replace the Code of Criminal Procedure Act of 1898, the Indian Penal Code of 1860, and the Indian Evidence Act of 1872, respectively.

Speaking to the remaining Lok Sabha members, Home Minister Amit Shah stated that the Bharatiya Nyaya Samhita, set to supersede the Indian Penal Code, places emphasis on justice over punishment.

He stated that the introduction of the three suggested criminal legislations would liberate individuals from the colonial mentality and its representations, The New Indian Express reported.

In response to objections raised against the criminal law bills, he asserted, “Penalising someone for opposing the government is not right as it infringes upon their freedom of speech.”

He asserted, “No one working against the nation should be let off easily; they should face the most severe penalty,” underscoring that the focus of criminal law legislation will be justice centered on the victim.

Shah emphasised that terrorism represents the most egregious violation of human rights, and those participating in such acts should face severe penalties.

He stated that he meticulously examined every proposed criminal law, not just reading every line but scrutinising every comma and full stop, in addition to holding 158 meetings.

Furthermore, in discussing the construction of the Ram temple, he stated, “We pledged that the Ram temple would be constructed and, as promised, the statue of Lord Ram will be sanctified on 22 January 2024.”