In an epoch-making stride towards eradicating mob violence and reinforcing the legal framework against heinous crimes, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has unveiled three groundbreaking bills in the Lok Sabha. The proposed legislation, christened the ‘Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita’ (BNS) Bill, 2023, is set to replace the archaic ‘Indian Penal Code’ (IPC), ‘Criminal Procedure Act,’ and the ‘Indian Evidence Act.’ Among its array of provisions, the bill stands resolute in proposing the imposition of the death penalty for the gruesome crime of mob lynching and sterner penalties for rape and sedition offences.
Mob Lynching Epidemic: A Grave Menace to Society
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The backdrop against which these comprehensive legal reforms are being proposed is riddled with the alarming spectre of mob lynching incidents across India. In 2020 alone, the country bore witness to a staggering tally of over 800 documented cases of mob lynching, tragically culminating in the loss of more than 200 innocent lives. Such incidents, invariably targeting individuals from marginalised communities, underscore a dark blot on the nation’s societal fabric.
The impetus for the Death Penalty
The proposition of enacting the death penalty for mob lynching underscores the dire need for a stern deterrent against this virulent menace. This measure is emblematic of a nation’s resolute stance against the scourge of mob violence, aiming not only to guarantee justice for victims and their grieving families but also to send an unequivocal message that such heinous acts shall not find refuge within the bounds of society.
Protecting the Unity and Rights of Indian Citizens
The broader objective of the ‘Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita’ Bill transcends singular punitive measures. By establishing maximum punishment for crimes such as mob lynching and the rape of minors, and redefining sedition as “endangering unity,” the government resonates its unequivocal commitment to safeguarding the rights of every citizen. This comprehensive legal overhaul resonates as a manifestation of the democratic spirit, striving to dismantle the fetters of oppression and prejudice.
A Revitalized Criminal Justice System