Trinamool Congress Blasts 'Draconian' New Criminal Laws in India

The Trinamool Congress has accused the government of forcibly passing three new criminal laws in Parliament after suspending 146 MPs. These laws, replacing British-era codes, are termed 'draconian' with potentially disastrous implications for civil liberties, privacy, and justice delivery in India.

The Trinamool Congress has condemned the government for what it calls the 'forcible' passing of three new criminal laws in Parliament after suspending 146 opposition MPs. The party claims these 'draconian' laws will have disastrous implications for civil liberties and justice delivery.

The new laws, which took effect on Monday, bring significant changes to India's criminal justice system by replacing the British-era Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, and the Indian Evidence Act. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) are designed to address modern-day crimes and current social realities.

However, the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) voiced strong opposition, labelling the new laws as 'draconian'. They argue that the broadly defined offences could lead to over-criminalization, prolonged police custody could infringe on civil liberties, and expanded powers could be misused, risking violations of privacy and due process. Additionally, the party noted that the justice backlog and infrastructure deficiencies could hinder effective justice delivery. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had previously urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to halt the operation of these new laws.

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