Amit Shah Addresses Opposition Protests Over New Criminal Laws

Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed opposition protests over the new criminal laws, stating his openness to discussions and suggestions. He rejected criticism of the laws as draconian and highlighted their modern approach and victim protection. Shah further invited opposition members to meet with him for any grievances.

As the new criminal laws took effect Monday, amid ongoing protests from opposition parties, Union Home Minister Amit Shah extended an open invitation to discuss their grievances, emphasizing his willingness to consider their suggestions.

'I am ready to meet anyone who wants. We will meet and also review. But please do not engage in politics,' Shah stated at a press conference in response to questions about opposition protests.

Rejecting accusations that the three new criminal laws are draconian and repressive, Shah described them as modern legislation designed to protect victims' rights and ensure police accountability. He dismissed opposing arguments as outdated and misleading, pointing out that the laws were passed after thorough debate in both Houses and reviewed by a parliamentary committee, which accepted most suggestions from opposition members, barring those with political implications.

Addressing protests from Tamil Nadu MPs regarding the Hindi names of the new laws, Shah assured that the statutes are available in Tamil and would be provided in all constitutional languages. He urged those with grievances to meet with him, emphasizing that boycotting the laws is not a solution.

Shah referenced the new statutes – the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) – which replace the British-era Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, and Indian Evidence Act. Opposition leader Mallikarjun Kharge criticized the implementation process, stating the laws were forcibly passed after suspending 146 MPs. Shah countered that extensive discussions occurred in Parliament and that opposition members chose not to participate.

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