Lok Sabha Discussion On Criminal Law Bills : Live Updates [Day 2]

 Lok Sabha passes three criminal law bills which seek to repeal and replace the Indian Penal Code, CrPC and the Indian Evidence Act.

Bharatiya Nyaya (Second) Sanhita, Bharatiy Nagarik Suraksha (Second) Sanhita and Bharatiya Sakshya Bill passed

Home Minister : Some members said these laws will make our country a "Police State". So long as there is Constitution, there won't be a police state. It is to avoid a police state that these laws are being made.

Home Minister on provisions allowing police custody beyond first 15 days of arrest.

Shah : There is a misunderstanding. The total police custody is 15 days. There are cases where the accused get admitted in hospital during the initial days to avoid police custody. It is to address such malpractices. The upper limit of 15 days is there.

Home Minister on why the new provisons bar mercy petitions by third parties against death penalty.

Shah : I am totally against allowing third parties to file mercy petitions. If a convict has no sense of regret, then he has no right to seek mercy. If he can't seek mercy petition, how can third parties be allowed to file mercy petition on his behalf.

Home Minister on why 'terrorist act' is included as offence in BNS though UAPA is already there.

Amit Shah says that UAPA was not invoked against terror offences in many regions, and BNS provision will address such lapses.

Home Minister Amit Shah says that the govt plans on introducing an amendment excluding doctors from

criminal prosecution over death caused due to medical negligence, in keeping with a request made by the Indian Medical Association.

Home Minister Amit Shah says that several provisions have been made gender-neutral, also says that the provisions relating to terrorism reflect the govt's commitment to a policy of zero-tolerance for terrorism.

Home Minister Amit Shah distinguishes between deshdroha and rajdroha -

"While IPC penalises works against the government, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita will only punish those who work against the nation. Such people must go to jail and will be punished."

Home Minister Amit Shah: Ease of justice has been enhanced. We also have several provisions to fix police accountability. These are victim-centric laws.

Home Minister Amit Shah: A fine balance has been maintained between powers of the police and the rights of citizens. We have made provisions to enhance conviction rates, for cybercrimes, to include community service to decrease burden on jails