Prime Minister Narendra Modi has lauded the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) as game-changing reforms in India’s criminal justice system. These new laws, according to the Prime Minister, are designed with a citizen-first approach that prioritizes timely justice, victim protection, and fair treatment for all individuals involved in legal proceedings.
In his remarks, PM Modi stressed that these laws go beyond traditional legal frameworks, focusing not only on swift justice but also on empowering citizens by simplifying legal processes and protecting their fundamental rights.
Simplifying Justice: A Citizen-Centric Approach
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita focuses on streamlining the process of filing FIRs, ensuring that citizens face fewer bureaucratic hurdles when seeking justice. PM Modi emphasized how these reforms provide a clear pathway for citizens to seek legal recourse without unnecessary delays, making the system more accessible and transparent.
“The primary objective of the BNS is to make the legal process easier, faster, and more responsive to the needs of the common citizen. The process of filing an FIR is now simplified, ensuring that every citizen has equal access to justice,” PM Modi noted.
Protection of Victims and Fairness in Arrests
One of the most significant features of the BNS is its focus on victim rights and the protection of individuals from arbitrary arrests. PM Modi highlighted how the new laws ensure that arrests are made only when necessary and based on clear legal grounds, thus protecting individuals from unjust detention.
“Under these laws, no citizen will be wrongfully arrested. The BNS ensures that the arrest process is fair, transparent, and based on solid evidence. It provides an extra layer of protection for the rights of the common man,” he explained.
A Compassionate Justice System: Community Service and Sensitivity
PM Modi also spoke about the humane nature of the new reforms, particularly in their approach toward first-time offenders. The BNS introduces the concept of community service as an alternative to punitive measures for certain offenders. This shift is intended to promote rehabilitation and provide offenders with an opportunity for reformation rather than subjecting them to harsh punishment.
“The new laws are based on the principle of restorative justice. First-time offenders are given a chance to contribute positively to society through community service. This approach helps integrate them back into society rather than isolating them with punishments,” PM Modi said, emphasizing the law’s compassionate and reformative aspect.
Unjustly Detained Prisoners Freed
A key accomplishment of the BNS has been the release of thousands of unjustly detained prisoners. PM Modi pointed out that these individuals were often imprisoned under outdated, colonial-era laws that no longer served justice in modern India. With the introduction of the new laws, these prisoners have been granted their freedom, marking a pivotal moment in India’s legal history.
“Thousands of people who had been wrongfully detained under old laws have now been released. This is a clear example of how the BNS is providing relief to citizens who were previously trapped in a system that failed to serve justice,” he affirmed.
A Legal System That Puts Citizens First
PM Modi further stated that the BNS represents a decisive break from colonial-era laws that had long governed the criminal justice system. The introduction of these laws is a reflection of the government’s commitment to creating a modern and efficient system that better aligns with India’s evolving socio-economic and cultural landscape.
“These reforms are a reflection of our commitment to build a system that is in tune with the aspirations of modern India. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita ensures that every citizen can have faith in the fairness and efficiency of the legal system,” Modi remarked.
A Landmark Step Towards Justice and Fairness
The BNS and BNSS embody a transformative shift toward a more citizen-centric approach in criminal justice, with the rights of citizens at the core of the reforms. PM Modi concluded by reaffirming that these reforms will not only speed up the delivery of justice but also protect the fundamental rights of citizens, ensuring that the justice system works for everyone.
“These new laws are designed to create a just, fair, and humane system where citizens are empowered, their rights protected, and justice delivered swiftly and without prejudice. We are building a system that reflects the core values of our nation,” PM Modi said.
In summary, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita represent a pioneering shift in India’s approach to criminal law. By simplifying the legal process, safeguarding rights, and offering humane alternatives to traditional punishment, these reforms reflect India’s forward-looking approach to building a just, fair, and empowering legal system.
