Prime Minister Narendra Modi has hailed the introduction of two key legal reforms—the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS)—as groundbreaking steps towards modernizing India’s criminal justice system. Speaking at a recent event, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of timely justice, which has long been a challenge in the Indian legal framework, and stressed that these reforms will usher in a new era of swift, fair, and citizen-centric justice.
A Major Step Forward in Timely Justice
Prime Minister Modi outlined how the BNS and BNSS laws will streamline the legal process and dramatically reduce the time it takes to deliver verdicts. “These reforms are focused on delivering justice swiftly, a critical need in a country as vast and diverse as India,” he said. PM Modi pointed to recent examples where cases were resolved within a matter of days, signaling a major shift toward fast-tracked justice.
“The introduction of these new laws is not just about reforming processes but about addressing the urgent needs of citizens who often find themselves trapped in endless legal battles. Justice must be prompt, not delayed,” PM Modi emphasized.
Breaking Away from Colonial-Era Legislation
A key theme of the Prime Minister’s address was the departure from colonial-era laws, which have historically been slow, complex, and ineffective in meeting the needs of modern Indian society. He stressed that the BNS and BNSS are part of the government’s wider effort to break free from outdated systems that have burdened India’s citizens for decades.
“Under the previous legal framework, citizens were often left waiting for years for justice. This is no longer acceptable,” PM Modi remarked, emphasizing that the new laws reflect a forward-thinking approach that puts citizens’ rights and dignity at the center of India’s justice system.
Strengthening Accountability and Transparency
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita are designed to enhance accountability and transparency within the criminal justice system. By introducing time-bound procedures and clear-cut guidelines, the laws aim to prevent delays and corruption, ensuring that justice is not only timely but also fair and transparent.
PM Modi explained, “These reforms will also improve accountability within the judicial process, making sure that every individual receives their due rights without delay. The focus is on efficiency, ensuring that the legal framework supports the citizens instead of burdening them.”
Empowering Citizens and Modernizing Legal Practices
The Prime Minister underscored that the laws will also empower citizens by making the legal process more accessible and supportive. “The new laws are meant to create a legal system that works for the people—a system that delivers justice without the hindrance of outdated practices,” he stated.
The BNS and BNSS introduce crucial changes that align India’s legal system with the modern era. This includes faster court proceedings, better protection of citizens’ rights, and more efficient handling of criminal cases. PM Modi stressed that the reforms are crucial to building a legal framework that aligns with the aspirations of a new India.
A Justice System for the Future
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita laws aim to reshape the entire criminal justice process in India, offering a model that balances speed with fairness. The Prime Minister noted that these changes will set a new standard for judicial processes, enabling faster adjudication of cases without compromising on the integrity of the verdicts.
“These reforms represent a milestone in India’s journey toward a modern legal framework that serves the people efficiently and justly. Our justice system must evolve to meet the needs of a growing and dynamic nation, and these reforms are designed to do just that,” PM Modi concluded.
Reaffirming India’s Commitment to Modernization
By prioritizing timely justice, accountability, and citizen empowerment, the BNS and BNSS laws position India’s criminal justice system as a key element of the nation’s progressive and modern legal landscape. These reforms signify the government’s unwavering commitment to creating a just, inclusive, and forward-thinking society.
As India continues to modernize its legal structures, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita set a powerful precedent for legal reforms that focus on delivering justice in the right time, in the right way—an essential pillar for the future of India’s legal system.
