NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court declined to entertain a petition challenging the enactment of three new laws aimed at modernising India's penal codes of British era. The bench, comprising Justices Bela M. Trivedi and Pankaj Mithal, permitted petitioner advocate Vishal Tiwari to withdraw the plea, noting that the laws have not yet come into force.
The petitioner, sensing the court's reluctance, requested to withdraw the plea. The apex court remarked that the petition was filed in a casual manner and would have been dismissed with costs if argued further.
The public interest litigation sought a stay on the operation of the new laws, alleging they were passed without Parliamentary debate due to the suspension of Opposition members. It also requested the immediate formation of an expert committee to assess the viability of the laws.
According to the plea, the new laws are perceived as more draconian than the British-era laws, citing extended police custody periods and potential for abuse.
On December 21, the Lok Sabha passed the Bharatiya Nyaya (Second) Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha (Second) Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya (Second) Bill. President Droupadi Murmu approved the bills on December 25, and they are slated to take effect from July 1, replacing the Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, and Indian Evidence Act.
