Indian Penal Code Amendments Criticized by Senior Congress Leader
New Delhi: The recent amendments to the Indian Penal Code have come under fire from senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram, who called the new laws cruel and oppressive towards the poor, working class, and downtrodden sections of society.
The three new Criminal Law Bills introduced by the Central Government were recently passed in the Lok Sabha, sparking a heated debate. Union Home Minister Amit Shah brought forth the bills, named Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya, which were passed through a continuous voice vote. President Draupathi Murmu approved the bills, despite over 140 Members of Parliament being suspended due to a security breach in the Parliament.
Chidambaram expressed his concerns, stating that the new Indian Penal Code and Procedure Code contain provisions that are unconstitutional and violate fundamental rights guaranteed in the Constitution. He emphasized that the new laws place a heavy burden on the poor and downtrodden, restricting their freedom and personal liberty. He particularly criticized the provision allowing the police to extend the custody of a jail detainee from 60 to 90 days, warning that it will lead to police overreach.
Calling on the next government to review and remove the oppressive provisions, Chidambaram stressed the need to strengthen due process rather than restrict personal liberty. He urged policymakers to take into account the impact of the new laws on the most vulnerable members of society before they take effect.