In a letter to PM Modi, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee asks that new criminal laws be postponed in order to allow for a new parliamentary review.
On Friday, June 21, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee pleaded with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to postpone the three criminal legislation’ July 1 implementation.
According to newswire PTI, Banerjee wrote to the prime minister stating that the delay will allow for a new parliamentary examination of the criminal legislation. Banerjee conveyed “severe concern” and asked the PM “to consider at least a deferment of the implementation date” in her letter.
Three new laws, the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Act, have replaced the Indian Penal Code, the Code of Criminal Procedure, and the Indian Evidence Act of 1872, which date back to the colonial era. This represents a substantial change.
According to the government, these reforms are intended to improve court administration, expedite the legal system, and guarantee that residents receive justice promptly. The three legislation were approved by the Lok Sabha while 146 MPs were suspended, according to the Trinamool Congress.
“These three crucial measures were approved by your departing government on a whim and without any discussion at all. On that day, 146 Members of Parliament from both Houses were expelled from Parliament and over 100 Lok Sabha members were suspended. It was during that dark period of democracy that the Bills were passed in an authoritarian fashion. Review of the matter is due right now, Banerjee said.
“At the very least, I implore your respected office to think about delaying the implementation date. There are two main justifications: moral and pragmatic,” she stated.
Significant legislative changes, according to her, ought to be brought before the recently elected Parliament for additional consideration and examination. “Considering the numerous concerns voiced in the public sphere about the hastily enacted new legislation, a new parliamentary examination of these endeavors would show a dedication to democratic ideals…This strategy would provide the recently elected representatives of the people a chance to carefully review the suggested
According to Banerjee, the request for a postponement also results from a practical evaluation of the difficulties and upfront work necessary for a seamless transition, notably with regard to the training of judges and law enforcement officials.
“I humbly request you to consider our appeal for a deferment of the implementation of The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNA) 2023, The Bharatiya Sakhsya Adhiniyam (BSA) 2023, and The Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023,” she continued.
According to Union Minister of Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal, the three new criminal legislation will go into effect on July 1.
