OFFENCES AGAINST WOMEN UNDER THE OLD & NEW CRIMINAL LAWS: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Abstract

The rising incidence of crimes against women in India has long called for a comprehensive and responsive legal framework. While the Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, and Indian Evidence Act served as the foundation of criminal jurisprudence since colonial times, they were increasingly seen as inadequate in addressing the evolving socio-legal challenges of modern India, particularly in the context of women's safety. Recognizing this need, the Government of India repealed these outdated statutes and introduced three new legislations, Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, Bhartiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023, and Bhartiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) 2023 which came into effect from 1st July 2024.