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Justice is crucial for societal peace, and a strong criminal justice system is essential in a democracy, especially in a rapidly evolving nation like India. As India moves forward, its legal system must adapt to modern challenges. The introduction of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 marks a significant step toward modernizing India’s criminal justice system. Historically, India’s criminal laws have been based on colonial-era legislation the Indian Penal Code of 1860, the Indian Evidence Act of 1872, and the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1973. These laws, while foundational, have struggled to keep up with contemporary crimes like cybercrime and organized syndicates. Recognizing the need for reform, the Government of India has introduced these new laws. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, replaces the Indian Penal Code, introducing new categories of offenses like organized crime, mob lynching, and snatching, addressing gaps in the old laws. The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, modernizes criminal procedures, aiming to expedite justice, reduce delays, and incorporate technological advancements like e-filing and digital case management. It also addresses witness protection, a critical concern in high-profile cases.

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The National Seminar titled “New Criminal Laws for a New Era: Need, Focus, and Long-Term Vision” organized by the Into Legal World, would play a crucial role in discussing these reforms, educating legal professionals, law enforcement authorities and the public about the impact of the new laws. Through discussions and presentations, the seminar will help ensure a smooth transition to this modernized legal framework.

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The seminar will focus on the following sub themes under three transformative Acts:

• Necessity or Nuisance? Relevance of India’s New Criminal Laws.

• Whether the new laws truly decolonized?

• How have Sedition Provisions evolved in BNS?

• Evolution of Gender-Neutral laws under New criminal laws.

• Fundamental Rights: New Dimensions of Protection and Safeguards.

• Concept of Community Service as Punishment under BNS, 2023- a boon or bane?

• Can modernized evidence rules fairly address crimes like cyber fraud?

• Why retain the Marital Rape exception, despite calls for progressive reforms?

• Do Reforms Risk a Police State and Diminish Judiciary's Role?

• Marriage-Related Offenses: How Do Reforms Reimagine Crime?

• How does the BSA ensures the authenticity and integrity of electronic evidence?

• Enhanced protection of Victim rights and support mechanisms.

• What measures are in place to ensure that delays in investigations and trials are minimized under BNSS?

• Any other relevant issue