Surat: The Surat District Legal Services Authority organized a seminar in the city to prepare lawyers for the upcoming implementation of new criminal laws, effective from July 1. Approximately 165 lawyers participated in the seminar, led by Principal District Judge R.T. Vachhani, along with lawyers from the Legal Aid Defense Service. These lawyers received essential books for the new laws. Additionally, training sessions were conducted for several police inspectors (PI) and sub-inspectors (PSI).

During the 2023 winter session, Parliament passed the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, replacing the Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, and Indian Evidence Act. The new laws will come into effect from July 1, 2024.

Significant revisions include an increase in IPC sections from 484 to 531, with alterations to 177 sections and the addition of 33 new sub-sections and 44 provisions. Moreover, crucial sections pertaining to rape, murder, and kidnapping were amended, updating IPC-375, 376, 302, 359, and 369 to newer sections.

With the implementation just a month away, the Surat District Legal Services Authority arranged the seminar to facilitate dialogue between legal professionals and the judiciary. The event aimed to ensure that lawyers become well-versed in the amended laws, promoting a smooth transition when the changes take effect. Additionally, Surat City PIs and PSIs underwent specialized training to effectively uphold the amended statutes.  DeshGujarat