Overview of Special Indian Laws for Prevention of Crimes
India has implemented various special laws aimed at preventing crimes, particularly those targeting vulnerable groups such as women and children. These laws complement the broader framework provided by the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC). Here are some key legislations:
Laws Protecting Women
1. Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005
- Provides protection to women from domestic abuse and ensures their right to reside in a shared household.
2. The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.
- Establishes mechanisms for the prevention and redressal of sexual harassment at workplaces.
3. The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961
- Prohibits the giving or receiving of dowry, aiming to combat the social evil associated with dowry-related violence.
4. The Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956
- Aims to prevent trafficking for commercial sexual exploitation and prohibits prostitution.
5. The Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986.
- Prohibits the advertisement or publication of indecent representations of women.
6. The Commission of Sati (Prevention) Act, 1987.
- Criminalizes the practice of sati, which involved the burning of widows on their husband's funeral pyre.
7. The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006.
- Prevents child marriages and provides for the punishment of those who perform, conduct or direct any child marriage.
8. Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971
- Regulates conditions under which a pregnancy may be terminated legally.
Recent Criminal Law Reforms
In 2023, India introduced three new laws aimed at modernizing its criminal justice system:
1. Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.
- Replaces the IPC; introduces new offenses such as snatching and organized crime while retaining certain traditional provisions.
2. Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023
- Replaces the CrPC; emphasizes forensic investigations for serious crimes and allows electronic methods for trials and inquiries.
3. Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), 2023.
- Replaces the Indian Evidence Act; recognizes electronic records as primary evidence and facilitates digital presentations in court proceedings.
Other Key Laws
- Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967: Addresses terrorism and unlawful activities by individuals and associations.
- Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012: Safeguards children against sexual assault and pornography.
- Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006: Penalizes food adulteration and ensures food safety standards.
These laws represent India's commitment to enhancing legal frameworks for crime prevention, particularly focusing on protecting marginalized populations while adapting to contemporary challenges in law enforcement.
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