CJI DY Chandrachud said India is ready to undertake major reforms in its criminal justice system.

New Delhi:

Chief Justice DY Chandrachud today said the enactment of the new Criminal Justice Act is a watershed moment for society and India is ready to undertake major reforms in its criminal justice system.

Addressing a conference on ‘Pathways of Progress in the Administration of Criminal Justice System in India’ in Delhi, he said the new laws will be successful if “we as citizens adopt them”.

Chief Justice of India (CJI) Chandrachud said that the newly enacted law transforms India’s criminal justice legal framework into a new era.

He also said much-needed improvements had been put in place to protect the interests of victims and effectively investigate and prosecute offences.

“The enactment of these laws by Parliament is a clear indication that India is changing and moving forward and requires new legal instruments to address current challenges,” the CJI said.

Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, Attorney General R Venkataramani and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta were also present.

The newly enacted laws – ‘Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita’, ‘Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita’ and ‘Bharatiya Sakshya Act’ – aimed at overhauling the country’s criminal justice system will come into effect from July 1.

However, the provisions regarding hit-and-run cases involving vehicle drivers will not be implemented immediately.

The three laws were approved by Parliament on December 21 last year and President Drupadi Murmu on December 25.

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