India"s Parliament Passes Major Reforms on Crimes Against Women in 2023

In 2023, India’s parliament enacted significant reforms to its criminal justice system, focusing on enhancing the protection of women and children against sexual offenses. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS, 2023) replaced the Indian Penal Code (IPC, 1860), while the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS, 2023) took the place of the Criminal Procedure Code of 1973. These reforms aim to modernize the legal framework and improve the overall approach to crime in the country. The BNS introduces a dedicated chapter addressing crimes against women and children, with new provisions that include stricter penalties for sexual offenses. For instance, the punishment for rape has been increased from seven to ten years. Additionally, the reforms mandate that the recording of a rape victim's statement is compulsory, and First Information Reports (FIRs) must be registered within three days of the incident. To support these legislative changes, the government has implemented a digital infrastructure known as the Inter-Operable Criminal Justice System (ICJS). This system includes databases such as the Investigations Tracking System for Sexual Offences (ITSSO) and the Cyber Crime Prevention Against Women and Children Scheme (CCPWC), which aim to enhance the efficiency of investigations and ensure better safety for women. These reforms reflect a significant shift in India’s approach to criminal justice, prioritizing the safety of vulnerable populations. The ongoing discussions about a Uniform Civil Code further indicate a broader movement towards standardizing laws related to family and personal matters across the diverse nation.