Police Procedures Under Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023: A Shift Towards Responsive Policing
- IJLLR Journal
- Apr 8, 2025
- 1 min read
Sukhmeet Kaur Sohal, Centre for Police Administration, Panjab University, Chandigarh
ABSTRACT
The introduction of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) Act of 2023 marks a transformative shift in India's legal framework, supplanting the long-standing Criminal Procedure Code of 1973. Central to the BNSS is its commitment to simplifying and modernising police procedures and legal processes, thereby enhancing operational efficiency within law enforcement. Noteworthy innovations within the Act include stringent provisions aimed at combating heinous crimes while simultaneously prioritising the protection of fundamental rights, which underscores a balanced approach to justice. This Act stands as a significant legislative leap towards ensuring citizen security. By tackling contemporary safety challenges, the BNSS aims to cultivate a legal environment that is both efficient and accountable, thus fostering public trust and contributing to a safer societal landscape. This paper will provide a comprehensive examination of the BNSS, focusing specifically on its salient features pertaining to police procedures. By analysing the established frameworks and operational protocols outlined within this legislation, we aim to elucidate how these measures bolster law enforcement effectiveness while simultaneously ensuring adherence to legal standards. Furthermore, this exploration will assess the broader implications of the Sanhita on the overall accountability and functionality of police operations, thereby highlighting its potential to reshape the contemporary policing landscape in India. Through this analysis, we seek to contribute to the ongoing discourse on law enforcement reform and its alignment with democratic principles.
Keywords: BNSS, Police Procedures, First Information Report, Investigation, Arrest, Remand, Statements, Accountability, Criminal Justice, Legal Reforms.
