In a landmark moment for India's reformed criminal justice system, the first case under the newly enacted Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, was registered in Delhi's Kamla Market Police Station. This marks the debut application of the country's revamped legal framework, which came into effect today.



The inaugural case involves a street vendor, identified as Pankaj Kumar from Barh, Bihar. Kumar was charged under Section 285 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for allegedly obstructing a foot overbridge near New Delhi Railway Station and conducting sales in the area. According to the police report, Kumar's cart, selling tobacco and water, was causing inconvenience to commuters on the main road. Despite being asked to relocate by patrolling officers, Kumar reportedly disregarded their instructions.

This case heralds the practical implementation of India's sweeping legal reforms. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita has replaced the colonial-era Indian Penal Code (IPC), while the Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam have superseded the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) and Indian Evidence Act, respectively.

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita introduces significant changes, featuring 358 sections compared to the IPC's 511. It incorporates 20 new offenses, increases sentences for 33 crimes, and raises fines for 83 offenses. The act also introduces mandatory minimum punishments for 23 crimes, introduces community service as a penalty for six offenses, and removes 19 outdated sections.

Similarly, the Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita expands to 531 sections from the CrPC's 484. It modifies 177 provisions, adds nine new sections and 39 sub-sections, and introduces 44 new provisions and clarifications. The act also sets timelines for 35 sections and incorporates audio-video provisions in 35 instances, while repealing 14 sections.

The Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam now contains 170 provisions, up from the original 167. It alters 24 provisions, introduces two new ones and six sub-provisions, while removing six outdated clauses.