New Delhi, July 5: A protest meeting organized by the Pragatisheel Mahila Sangathan Lawyers Unit (PMS) took place near the Central Hall of Rohini District Court on Thursday. Lawyers gathered to demand the immediate repeal of three new criminal laws that came into effect on July 1, 2024. They expressed concerns that these laws would adversely impact the lives and liberties of Indian citizens.
Holding banners and placards, the protesting lawyers called for the withdrawal of the new laws. The meeting saw participation from a significant number of advocates, along with members of the PMS.
Advocate Poonam Kaushik, General Secretary of Pragatisheel Mahila Sangathan of Delhi, highlighted several draconian provisions within the new laws that threaten the life and liberty of citizens. Advocate Rajiv Tehlan also addressed the gathering, emphasizing the urgent need for action.
A memorandum urging the Bar Association to request the Bar Council of India (BCI) to repeal the new laws was signed by the members of the convening committee and numerous advocates. This memorandum was submitted to the President and Secretary of the Rohini Bar Association.
The Bar Association’s office bearers listened to the delegation of PMS lawyers and concerned advocates attentively and assured them that the issue would be discussed in the meeting of the Coordination Committee of All District Court Bar Associations.
Advocates Dhaneshwari, Shashi Jaiswal, Rashmi Jain, and Kulvinder were present at the meeting.
One of the new criminal laws, known as the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), was passed by Parliament in 2023. One of its provisions, Section 106(2), which prescribes a punishment of 0-10 years for “hit and run” cases, has already been put on hold following nationwide protests by transporters and drivers earlier this year.
These laws, namely the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, are set to replace the Indian Penal Code, 1860; the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898; and the Indian Evidence Act, 1872, respectively. They received President Droupadi Murmu’s assent on December 25, 2023.
