The Central government on Tuesday took up the three bills to replace the existing British-era criminal laws for consideration, in the absence of a majority of Opposition MPs in Lok Sabha.
The new Bills, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, were introduced in Lok Sabha in August to replace the Code of Criminal Procedure Act, 1898; the Indian Penal Code, 1860, and the Indian Evidence Act, 1872, respectively.
Addressing the remaining members of the Lok Sabha, Home Minister Amit Shah said that Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which will replace the Indian Penal Code, focuses on justice rather than punishment.
He said that the three proposed criminal laws will free people from the colonial mindset and its symbols.
He also said that under the new system, those who harm the country will not be spared, emphasizing that criminal law bills will ensure victim-centric justice.
"I have not only read every line of proposed criminal laws but have gone through every comma, full stop; held 158 meetings," he said.
Replying to a protest on the criminal law bills, he said, "If someone opposes govt, he shouldn't be punished as it's his freedom of speech."
Additionally, addressing the construction of Ram temple, he said, "We said Ram temple will be built and as promised statue of Lord Ram will be consecrated on Jan 22."
(This is a developing story)