Syllabus :GS 2/Governance
In News
- In 2024, significant reforms were introduced to modernize India’s legal framework and align it with global standards.
Major Legal Reforms in 2024
- Criminal Justice System: New Bharatiya Criminal Laws replaced outdated laws like the Indian Penal Code, including the abolition of the sedition law.
- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita replaced the Indian Penal Code, eliminating obsolete provisions such as sedition.
- Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam replaced the Indian Evidence Act, updating provisions to include modern methods of handling evidence, especially electronic evidence.
- Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita replaced the Code of Criminal Procedure, introducing reforms in police custody and suspect handling procedures.
- The Vayuyan Vidheyak Bill replaced the Aircraft Act of 1934.
- The Bill empowers the Central Government to make rules for any aircraft or class of aircraft, and for securing the safety of aircraft operations. It is aimed to empower the government to make rules for the investigation of any air accident or incident.
- Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill replaced the century-old Carriage of Goods by Sea Act of 1925.
- It seeks to comply with the international convention and with the changing global scenario in the shipping industry. The provisions will be applicable to outward cargo, that is, ships carrying goods from Indian port to any other port, whether in or outside India.
- Waqf Reforms:
- Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 streamlined the Waqf Board’s functioning.
- Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2024 aimed at improving the management of Waqf properties.
- Railway Reforms: Railway (Amendment) Bill 2024 aimed at improving railway operational efficiency and granting autonomy to railway zones.
- Banking Reforms: Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill focused on improving customer convenience and investor protection.
- Simultaneous Elections: Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth) Amendment Bill introduced to facilitate simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies.
- The Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill supported the same objective of simultaneous elections.
- Prime Minister’s Initiative: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been focused on eliminating colonial-era laws and modernizing India’s legal framework since his tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister and continued this mission after becoming Prime Minister in 2014.
- Over 1500 archaic laws have been scrapped, improving people’s lives.
Significance and Need in Present Scenario
- India’s legal reforms in 2024 represent a significant step in modernizing its legal system. By replacing colonial-era laws and introducing progressive legislation, the government aims to align the legal framework with contemporary needs.
- These reforms are poised to transform sectors like justice, governance, railways, banking, and religious institutions, improving citizens’ lives and enhancing India’s global competitiveness.
Source: PIB