Assam Registers First Case Under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita: A Historic Shift

Assam registered the first case under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita in Nagaon district, marking a historic shift from colonial laws to new Indian codes. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma highlighted the importance of these changes in combating child marriage and democratizing India's criminal laws.

Assam has marked a significant milestone by registering the first case under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita in Nagaon district. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced this at a press conference, confirming the case was filed at 12:32 pm in Nagaon Sadar Police Station.

The newly enforced Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam replace the outdated Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, and the Indian Evidence Act, respectively. This transition is especially crucial for Assam in their ongoing battle against child marriage.

"Under the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, even consensual intercourse below the age of 18 is equated to rape and is punishable accordingly," stated Sarma. The new laws aim to provide a stronger framework for addressing cases of child marriage, a persistent social issue in the region. "With these reforms, we hope to see a deterrent effect on those involved in such practices," Sarma added.

Further emphasizing the shift, Sarma mentioned that the minimum age for consensual intercourse with married women has been raised to 18 years, a significant move towards protecting minors. "We have trained over 115 master trainers from Assam Police to ensure a smooth transition," he said, adding that 500 police officers received specialized training at Gandhinagar Forensic University.

Additionally, five new forensic laboratories have been established as forensic evidence becomes mandatory under the new laws. The Chief Minister noted that July 1 would be a landmark date in India's legal history as it signifies a departure from colonial-era laws to more democratic criminal justice.

"We must educate the judiciary, police, and general public to take pride in our revamped criminal justice system," he concluded.

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