Centre's big crime laws revamp: Death for mob lynching, terrorism | Top points
Three new bills introduced in Parliament seek to overhaul the criminal justice system. Here's a look at some of the key provisions under the proposed laws.
The government on Friday introduced three bills in Lok Sabha which seek to overhaul the criminal justice system. Three bills were introduced in Parliament to replace three British-era laws -- the Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, and the Indian Evidence Act.
Here’s a look at some of the key points in the proposed criminal laws:
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In the bill, the offence of sedition under section 124A of the existing Indian Penal Code will be dropped. However, the new bill mentioned that "acts endangering sovereignty unity and integrity of India" will be penalised, with minimum punishment extended from 3 years to 7 years in jail.
Rape convicts will be punished with a minimum of 10 years of jail. The punishment can extend to life in prison. The offence of gang rape will invite at least 20 years of imprisonment.
For rape committed on a girl under 12 years of age, the convict will be punished with rigorous imprisonment for minimum 20 years. The punishment may extend to imprisonment for life. Rape of a minor will invite the maximum punishment of a death sentence.
Those involved in mob lynching may be given the maximum punishment of death sentence.
The new bill removes Section 377 of the IPC in its entirety. Section 377 of the IPC criminalized all sexual acts "against the order of nature" with any man, woman or animal.
The bill lists new offences against children, including abandonment, disposal of a child’s body, child trafficking etc. Crime against children will entail a 10-year jail term as punishment. Penalties have also been increased.
The bill introduces a new provision that death sentences can only be converted to life imprisonment and life imprisonment can be pardoned only within seven years of punishment. This seeks to stop political use of punishment waivers by governments.
Provision has been made stricter for punishment in case of organized crime and international gangs. The crime may invite capital punishment if it has resulted in the death of a person.
Previously, there was no definition of terrorism. Under the new bill, terrorism is being defined. The crime under this will invite death penalty.
Community service is being introduced as a punishment for the first time.
