Supreme Court Dismisses Challenge to New Criminal Laws

The Supreme Court swiftly dismissed a petition challenging three newly enacted criminal laws, criticizing the petitioner’s approach as “cavalier” and “casual.” The Vacation Bench emphasized that the petition lacked substantive arguments and was withdrawn at the brink of incurring costs. The laws in question—the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and the Bharatiya Sakshya Act—are yet to come into force, noted Justice Trivedi.

The petitioner alleged defects and discrepancies in the new laws, passed without full parliamentary debate due to the suspension of opposition members. Despite the plea’s urgency for an expert committee assessment, the Bench dismissed it, affirming the laws’ enactment for July 1. These laws, perceived as more stringent, redefine offenses like sedition and introduce new provisions related to terrorism and fines, marking a significant shift in India’s legal landscape.