On 1st July 2024, India saw the implementation of three new laws that significantly overhaul its criminal justice system. These laws are the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), replacing the Indian Penal Code (IPC); the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), replacing the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC); and the Bharatiya Sakshya Act, replacing the Indian Evidence Act of 1872. These changes aim to modernize the legal framework and address contemporary issues more effectively. The criminal laws saw major changes for better and improved justice delivery system. Some of the examples of such changes are:

1. Sedition Law Repealed: Section 124A of the IPC, which criminalized sedition, has been repealed. However, the BNS introduces Section 150, which covers broader offenses that endanger the sovereignty and integrity of India.
2. New Offenses Introduced: The BNS includes new offenses such as organized crime (Section 109) and petty organized crime (Section 110), encompassing activities like human trafficking, drug trafficking, and cybercrimes. Mob lynching is now a distinct offense with severe penalties.
3. Gender-Neutral Sexual Offenses: Sexual offenses have been made gender-neutral, extending legal protection to all individuals, including transgender people. The punishment for the rape of a minor can now include the death penalty.
4. Crimes Against Women and Children: A new chapter specifically addresses these crimes, with severe penalties for offenses such as buying or selling children and gang-rape of minors.
5. Snatching as a Separate Crime: Snatching has been distinguished from theft, with specific penalties defined.

Systematical and Procedural changes:

1. Extended Detention Period: The maximum detention period in police custody for serious offenses has been extended from 15 days to 90 days, raising concerns about potential misuse.
2. Electronic FIRs and Zero FIRs: The BNSS allows for electronic filing of FIRs and Zero FIRs, which can be filed at any police station and then transferred to the appropriate jurisdiction.
3. Summons and Arrest Procedures: Summons can be served electronically, and arrest details must be prominently displayed at police stations. The rights of the arrested individual to inform a person of their choice are emphasized.
4. Protection of Rape Survivors: The BNSS mandates that statements of rape survivors be recorded by a female officer and that medical examinations be completed within seven days. Regular updates on case progress are required for victims.
5. Forensic Evidence: Forensic experts must visit crime scenes and collect evidence for serious offenses, ensuring transparency and preventing tampering.
6. Revised Evidence Handling: This Act focuses on modernizing how evidence is handled and presented in court, aiming to streamline the judicial process and reduce delays.

The recent legal reforms in India are expected to have a long-term impact on the society. The modernization of legal framework by replacing colonial-era laws with contemporary statutes marks a significant progress towards a more modern and just legal system. Additionally, the introduction of gender-neutral laws and specific provisions for the protection of women, children, and marginalized groups aims to create a more inclusive and protective legal environment. Measures such as electronic filing, Zero FIRs, and summary trials for minor offenses are also set to enhance judicial efficiency by reducing case backlogs and expediting the judicial process. However, there are concerns regarding the potential misuse and human rights violations due to extended detention periods and broad definitions of certain crimes. It is crucial to ensure checks and balances to mitigate these risks. Overall, the new laws represent a significant step towards a more equitable and efficient criminal justice system in India, but their successful implementation will require careful oversight and continuous evaluation.