What is notably addressed under the new laws to improve witness security for the first time in July 2024?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
Solution: The correct answer is Witness protection guidelines.
Explanation:
☛ On 1 July 2024, India implemented three new criminal laws, replacing colonial-era statutes.
☛ Under Section 398 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, a mandatory provision was introduced requiring every State Government to prepare and notify a Witness Protection Scheme.
☛ This is the first time that comprehensive witness protection guidelines have been given direct statutory backing in India's primary criminal procedural law to enhance witness security and ensure fair trials.
Extra Exam-Relevant Facts:
☛ The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023 replaced the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1973.
☛ The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 replaced the Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860.
☛ The Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), 2023 replaced the Indian Evidence Act, 1872.
☛ Prior to this statutory inclusion, the Supreme Court of India had endorsed the draft Witness Protection Scheme, 2018 in the landmark Mahender Chawla case.
Important One-Liners for Upcoming Exams:
☛ Which section of the BNSS mandates states to notify a Witness Protection Scheme? → Section 398
☛ On which date did the three new criminal laws officially take effect across India? → 1 July 2024
☛ Which landmark Supreme Court judgment directed the enforcement of the Witness Protection Scheme, 2018? → Mahender Chawla vs. Union of India
☛ Which new law replaced the Indian Evidence Act, 1872? → Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023
☛ How many total sections are there in the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023? → 531 sections