Curtain falls on British-era laws, new criminal laws come into effect on July 1

Three new criminal laws—the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam—will replace India's colonial-era legal framework starting Monday. These laws introduce modern provisions such as Zero FIR, online complaint registration, and electronic summonses. Key changes include mandatory crime scene videography for heinous crimes, streamlined sections, and enhanced protections for women and children. Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized that these laws prioritize justice and transparency, replacing outdated penal systems with Indian-centric legal standards to address contemporary social realities and crimes.