The Statutory Bar Council of India (BCI) has urged Bar Associations and the legal fraternity to refrain from taking any immediate action against the implementation of the new criminal laws, set to come into effect in just three days on July 1. The BCI mentions no ‘immediate necessity’ for protests and agitation against the new criminal law and told associations to keep from holding strikes. This happened after the Bar Associations proposed to express agitation if thorough discussions on the new laws were not held.
BCI To Set Up Committee Of Senior Advocates And Judges To Assess The Provisions Of The New Laws
As of June 26, The BCI confirmed the setup of a committee comprising all senior lawyers, former judges, impartial social activists, and journalists in order to solve and settle any issues flagged in the newly enacted criminal laws – Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Act. Senior Advocate and BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra has requested bar associations and senior lawyers to give in any provisions from the new laws that to them seem unconstitutional or detrimental to a seamless functioning. Bar Associations called for a fresh examination of the provisions of the Prevention of the Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
The Bills Intended To Replace The Colonial-Era Criminal Laws
The three bills were passed by the Lok Sabha on December 20, 2023, and were also passed by the Rajya Sabha the next day. The proposal of these laws intended to replace the colonial-era criminal laws which were – the Indian Penal Code, the Code of Criminal Procedure, and the Indian Evidence Act. Furthermore, several reforms to these laws were also introduced, although it sparked controversy as many Bar Associations feared they infringed upon some of the fundamental rights and duties, proposing that it still requires an assessment of its practical challenges.
State Bar Council Of West Bengal Labels July 1 As ‘Black Day’, Calls The New Laws Anti-People And Undemocratic
The State Bar Council of West Bengal on Wednesday declared July 1 to be called a ‘black day’ upon condemning the passing of these laws in a resolution, stating them to be anti-people and undemocratic. As a result, The Bar Council of India ensured to initiate discussions with the central government and channel the concerns of the legal fraternity regarding the new criminal laws. Furthermore, BCI is to also consult the Union Minister of Environment, Bhuendra Yadav regarding the matter.