BCI urges bar associations to refrain from immediate protest against 3 criminal laws
New Delhi (PTI): The Bar Council of India (BCI) on Wednesday requested all bar associations to refrain from any immediate agitation or protest regarding the new criminal justice laws.
The newly enacted laws -- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Act -- to completely overhaul the criminal justice system in the country will come into effect from July 1.
Senior advocate and BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra said in a statement that in a resolution passed on Wednesday, the apex lawyers' body acknowledged the numerous representations received from bar associations and state bar councils across the country, expressing strong protests against the newly introduced criminal laws.
"These bar associations have signalled their intent to engage in indefinite agitations and protests unless these laws are suspended and subjected to thorough nationwide discussions, including a comprehensive review by Parliament," the statement said.
"Concerns have been raised that several provisions of these new laws are perceived to be anti-people, more draconian than the colonial-era laws they intend to replace, and pose a serious threat to the fundamental rights of citizens," it added.
The communication said several "legal luminaries" and advocates have strongly opposed the laws.
Several bar associations have also called for a fresh examination of the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), apart from having a relook at the new laws, asserting that these laws contravened the principles of fundamental rights and natural justice, it said.
"After careful consideration of these demands and concerns, the BCI requests all bar associations to refrain from any form of agitation or protest at this juncture. The BCI will initiate discussions with the Union Government, represented by the Union Home Minister and the Union Law Minister, to convey the concerns of the legal fraternity," the statement said.
It said that the top lawyers' body would also seek the intervention of the Union Minister for Environment Bhupendra Yadav, an advocate, to mediate in the matter.
"Additionally, the BCI requests all bar associations and senior advocates to submit specific provisions of the new laws they deem unconstitutional or detrimental, to facilitate a productive dialogue with the government," the statement said.
It underlined that the Union Home Minister Amit Shah had said in September 2023 about the willingness of the government to amend any provision of these laws if "valid reasons and plausible suggestions" were presented.
"Upon receiving specific suggestions from the bar associations, the BCI will constitute a committee comprising noted senior advocates, former judges, impartial social activists and journalists to propose necessary amendments to these new laws," the statement said.
"The BCI assures the bar associations and the legal fraternity that these issues are being taken seriously and there is no cause for immediate concern. Consequently, there is no immediate necessity for agitation, protests, or strikes in relation to this issue," it added.
The three laws got the Parliament's approval on December 21 last year and President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent to them on December 25.
According to three identical notifications issued by the Union Home Ministry, provisions of the new laws will come into force from July 1.
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Brothers awaiting board exam results drown in canal
Erode (Tamil Nadu) (PTI): Minor brothers who were awaiting their board exam results have drowned in a canal in this district while spending their Summer holidays at their aunt's place, police said.
According to Arachalure Police, Santhosh, aged 17, and his younger brother Sanjai, aged 15, natives of Musiri village in Tiruchirapalli district, came to Gopaliparai hamlet near Arachalure to their Aunt's house a couple of days ago after writing their annual 12th and 10th examinations, respectively.
The police said on Friday that both boys went to the nearby Lower Bhavani Project canal to take a bath. It was alleged that while taking a bath, both boys went to a deeper area of the canal and went missing.
As they didn't return home, even two hours after they left, their aunt grew suspicious and informed the Fire and Rescue Services, Chennimalai. A rescue team from the department rushed to the spot. After a few minutes of searching, they located the dead bodies of the brothers and sent them to the hospital. Arachalure police registered a case of death due to drowning and are investigating.
