Delhi: Lawyers abstain from work to protest against new criminal laws
Jul 15, 2024
New Delhi [India], July 15 : Advocates from all district Bar Associations of Delhi abstained from judicial work on Monday to protest against some provisions of the three new laws enacted by the Central Government.
The Coordination Committee of All Delhi Bar Associations called the protest on Monday. The new laws have been in force since July 1.
Advocate Body is claiming that the provision of recording of evidence of Complainant or witness in the police station is prejudicial to the interest of accused.
Committee Chairman Jagdeep Vats said that "there are many provisions, including that of evidence, period of custody, etc. which require amendments. We want the welfare of the public. We have received a message from the Ministry of Home Affairs to hold talks."
Advocate Devender Dedha, additional secretary of Committee said that "it will prejudice the rights of the accused and these provisions are against public at large. Prosecution is not the business of prosecution agency."
During the protest, the work of courts was affected. Many litigants could only take dates in their matters.
Under the new criminal laws, which came into force on July 1, 2024, FIR is to be recorded within three days of complaints submitted through electronic communication, providing impetus to the initial phase of criminal cases. The competent court has to now frame charges within sixty days from the first hearing on the charge.
A novel inclusion in the new criminal laws is the introduction of trial in absentia against proclaimed offenders after ninety days from charge framing, expediting proceedings and ensuring timely delivery of justice to victims and society at large.
The criminal courts have now been mandated to pronounce judgements within 45 days after a trial stands concluded to ensure swift justice delivery. Further, the said courts have to upload the judgement within seven days from the date of pronouncement, on their respective portals, improving access to justice for all.
