The core principle of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita is “Citizen First! stated PM Narendra Modi”. This law is becoming the protector of civil rights, the foundation of ‘ease of justice.’ Previously, even filing an FIR was a difficult task. But now, zero FIRs have been legally recognized, and citizens have the convenience of registering a case from anywhere. The victim is entitled to receive a copy of the FIR. If a case needs to be withdrawn against an accused, it can only be done with the victim’s
consent. The police can no longer detain anyone at their discretion.
It is mandatory for the police to inform the detainee’s family, as per the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Another aspect of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita is its humanity and sensitivity. The accused can no longer be kept in jail for a prolonged period without punishment.
Now, for crimes punishable with less than three years of imprisonment, arrest can only be made with the approval of higher authorities. For minor offenses, there is a provision for mandatory bail. Additionally, for minor crimes, community service is offered as an alternative to punishment. This will provide the accused with an opportunity to contribute positively to society. The Nyaya Sanhita is also very sensitive to first-time offenders. The citizens of the country will also be pleased to know that thousands of prisoners who were incarcerated due to old laws have been released after the implementation of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. You can imagine how a new system, a new law, can empower civil rights to great heights.
The first measure of justice is delivering justice on time. We’ve all heard and said, “Justice delayed is justice denied.” This is why, our nation has taken a significant step toward swift justice through the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita. The focus has been placed on filing charge-sheets and delivering verdicts quickly. A time limit has been set for completing every phase of a case.
While this system has been implemented only a few months ago, it still requires time to mature. However, even in this short span of time, the changes we are witnessing and the information coming from different parts of the country are truly satisfying and encouraging.
You all are aware that here in Chandigarh, in a vehicle theft case, the accused was sentenced within just 2 months and 11 days after the FIR was filed. In another case of causing public disturbance, the court delivered a verdict in only 20 days. In Delhi, a case from FIR to sentencing took merely 60 days, with the accused receiving a 20-year sentence. Similarly, in a murder case in Chhapra, Bihar, the entire process—from FIR to verdict—took just 14 days, resulting in a life sentence for the culprits. These decisions demonstrate the strength and impact of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. These changes also show that when a government is dedicated to the welfare of ordinary citizens and sincerely addresses public grievances, change happens, and results follow. I want these verdicts to be widely discussed across the nation so that every citizen becomes aware of how much their power to seek justice has grown. This will also send a clear message to criminals that the days of endless delays are over.
