On 1 July 2024, India replaced its colonial-era criminal codes: the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) replaced the IPC, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) replaced the CrPC, and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) replaced the Indian Evidence Act.
The headline changes
- Zero FIRs and e-FIRs can be filed at any police station or online.
- Community service introduced as a punishment for some petty offences.
- Timelines for investigation, charge-sheets and judgments.
- Electronic records given primary evidence status.
- Mandatory forensic investigation for offences punishable by seven years or more.
What stayed the same
Most offences carry over with new section numbers. Murder, once Section 302 IPC, is now Section 103 BNS. Expect lawyers, and headlines, to quote both for years.
"A new code is a new map. The territory, courts, police, evidence, still has to change with it."
Not legal advice. This explainer covers the law in general terms. Consult an advocate for your case.