The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS), also known as the Indian Citizen Safety Code, 2023, is a modern criminal procedure law enacted by the Parliament of India to replace the legacy Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1973. It was passed by both Houses of Parliament in December 2023 and came into effect on 1 July 2024. The BNSS provides a comprehensive legal framework governing how criminal investigations, arrests, trials, and judicial processes are conducted in India. It emphasizes citizens’ rights, use of technology, timelines for judicial processes, and accountability of law-enforcement agencies in the criminal justice system.
Objectives of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023
Modernizing Criminal Procedure:
The BNSS was introduced to update and replace the outdated procedures of the CrPC (from 1973) with contemporary, streamlined processes that match international best practices and integrate modern technology.
Faster and Efficient Justice Delivery:
It aims to reduce delays in criminal investigations, trials, and judicial decisions by setting firm timelines and procedural clarity, thereby addressing long case backlogs in courts.
Strengthening Citizens’ Rights & Protection:
The law focuses more on protecting the rights of citizens — including victims and accused — through safeguards during arrest, investigation, trial, and post-trial procedures.
Citizen-Centric & Digital Processes:
BNSS facilitates digital tools such as electronic FIRs, e-summons, online case management, and digital evidence handling to make the system more accessible and transparent.
Accountability and Transparency:
By introducing clear standards for police conduct, investigation timelines, forensic usage, and judicial steps, the code seeks to build transparency and public trust in law enforcement and the justice system.
