Changes by Central Government to three Acts in IPC, CRPC, Evidence Act-Amith sha
Amaravati: Union Home Minister Amit Shah has sought suggestions from Members of Parliament and other stakeholders on the proposed amendments to the Indian Penal Code, CrPC and the Indian Evidence Act. In a letter to the MPs and others, the home minister said that the experience of seven decades of Indian democracy calls for a comprehensive review of the criminal laws, especially the IPC 1860, the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) 1973 and the Indian Evidence Act 1872 and adapt them in accordance with the contemporary needs and aspirations of the people. “The government of India intends to create a people-centric legal structure,” he wrote. Shah said the Central government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with its mantra of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas,’ is committed to ensure speedy justice to all the citizens of India, especially those belonging to the weaker and backward sections. In conformity with these constitutional and democratic aspirations, he said, the government has resolved to make comprehensive changes in the framework of criminal laws.
“This endeavour of bringing about a paradigm shift in the criminal justice system by the government of India will actually be an enormous exercise of public participation, which can only be successful with the participation of all stakeholders,” he said. In this regard, the home minister said, he has requested the Chief Justice of India, Chief Justice of High Courts, state chief minister, administrator of Union Territories, Bar Councils and Law Universities to send their suggestions. “The Ministry of Home Affairs intends to make comprehensive amendments to criminal laws after receiving suggestions from various stakeholders,” he said. Shah said Parliament is one of the three important pillars of democracy and, as Members of Parliament have a significant role in the law-making process, their suggestions will be invaluable in this exercise of comprehensive amendments to criminal laws. “Therefore, you are requested to send us your valuable suggestions regarding amendments to the IPC, CrPC and Indian Evidence Act at the earliest,” he said.
