Lok Sabha
Lok Sabha
Greetings Parliamentarians,
This gives immense pleasure to the Executive Board to extend you all a warm welcome and
congratulate you for being a part of the sixth edition of our very own simulation of the United
Nations- SAIMUN and the committee “Lok Sabha”.
The agenda we have in hand tackles one of the most discussed, deliberated and argued upon
issues in the Indian Parliament recently, keeping in mind the freeze date(4th December, 2024)the
committee will carry on its discussions. Given the extremely political and volatile nature of this
committee, your presence of mind and politico-analytical aptitude is something which we at the
executive board would be looking to test.
The Executive Board seeks an out of box solution from you, while knowing and understanding
your impending political and ideological limitations. The direction that we foresee includes
substantive arguments, deliberations and outlooks and not just unnecessary banters or
platitudes.
This introductory guide would be as abstract as possible, and would just give you a basic
perspective on what you can expect from the committee and areas wherein which your research
should be focused at, we would very much appreciate if the Parliamentarians are able to find
new realms in the agenda and bring it forth in the committee.
The EB is all open to you queries, prospects of concerns and criticism. With that, we wish you
all good luck and hope to see you all at this conference discussing imperative issues of national
concern.
WARM REGARDS
NOTE: The best way to debate in any format is to clearly state your opinion and justify it with
substantive rational sources..
ABOUT THE COMMITTEE
This is an Indian Committee which focuses on the agenda which aims at ending the Colonial
Criminal Procedure code 1908. The committee will also focus on the attributes of the Indian
Penal Code 1860 and the Indian Evidence Act 1872. This is a bilingual committee and will run
the same way as the Indian Parliamentary Sessions .
The committee is expected to debate whether the existing laws of the criminal justice
system are suitable for modern India and if it must be changed or just amended. The
committee has to pose substantive arguments on whether a bill for the change in Criminal
laws must be passed or not…..So let’s work together for the betterment of our country!
Following are some of the rules and regulations that the committee is expected to follow:
Rule 1: Official and working languages:
The parliamentarians are allowed to speak both in English and Hindi in the formal and informal
sessions of the committee.
Rule 2: Decorum:
This is the most important rule of the committee: the delegates are requested to maintain
discipline and not create any nuisance in the committee.
The lay-out of the Chamber of the Committee should resemble as far as possible the layout of
the Chamber of Lok Sabha. Ruling party to sit on the right side of the chair. Opposition and
other alliances to sit on the left side of the chair. Both sides more or less equal in no.
INTRODUCTION:
What is CrPC 1908 (Code of Criminal Procedure)?
The Code of Criminal Procedure(CrPC) is a legal statute in India that governs the procedural
aspects of criminal law in the country. It provides a framework for the investigation, trial and
adjudication of criminal cases. The CrPC outlines the procedures that law enforcement
agencies, the judiciary, and other parties involved in the criminal justice system must follow
when dealing with criminal matters. It covers various aspects, including the arrest and detention
of suspects, the conduct of trials, the rules of evidence and the sentencing of convicted
individuals. The CrPC is a crucial tool for ensuring the fair and just administration of criminal
justice in India.
As a sequel to the IPC, a Code of Criminal Procedure , 1861 was enacted. The 1861 code was
repealed after which a new code came and enacted in 1973. The most recent amendment in the
criminal code was made in 1908.
This Act is divided into three parts and there are 11 chapters in total under this Act.
Part 1
Part 1 deals with relevancy of the facts. There are two chapters under this part: the first chapter
is a preliminary chapter which introduces the Evidence Act and the second chapter specifically
deals with the relevancy of the facts.
Part 2
Part 2 consists of chapters from 3 to 6. Chapter 3 deals with facts which need not be
proved, chapter 4 deals with oral evidence, chapter 5 deals with documentary evidence and
chapter 6 deals with circumstances when documentary evidence has been given preference over
the oral evidence.
Part 3
The last part, that is part 3, consists of chapter 7 to chapter 11. Chapter 7 talks about the burden
of proof. Chapter 8 talks about estoppel, chapter 9 talks about witnesses, chapter 10 talks about
examination of witnesses, and last chapter which is chapter 11 talks about improper admission
and rejection of evidence.
*The Criminal Procedure Code is a procedural law, whereas the Indian Penal Code is
substantive law..
*The penalties and punishments for the various infractions are also specified in the Code.
*The Criminal Procedure Code, on the other hand, specifies the steps that the police must
follow to investigate any infraction after a crime has been committed.
*The Indian Penal Legislation is intended to serve as the country’s primary penal code for
punishing wrongdoers.
*The major purpose of the Criminal Procedure Code, on the other hand, is to provide binding
procedures that must be followed during the administration of a criminal trial.
*The Indian Penal Code lacks the powers granted to courts and magistrates by the Criminal
Procedure Code of 1973
2)Under Section 50 of the CrPC, the arrested person is to be informed of the particulars of the
offence or any other grounds for arrest. Further,if arrested without a warrant for an offence
which is bailable, he/she must be informed that he/she is entitled to be released on bail.
3)Under Section 50A of the CrPC, the arrested person is entitled to have a person nominated by
him informed about the arrest. The Supreme Court has also recognized the right of the arrested
person to have access to a lawyer.
4)Under Section 54 CrPC, the arrested person can request that he/she be examined by a medical
practitioner if the examination of his person will either disprove the commission of the offence
by him, or will prove the commission of any offence against his body by another person.
What is a pre-trial?
A jury trial is a hearing held before a jury by a judge, arbitrator, etc. to resolve any legal or
factual issues and to agree on such issues between the parties to expedite the justice process and
reduce costs. Because the vast majority of criminal cases are resolved amicably at this stage and
never get to court, pre-trial processes are essential parts of the legal system. They consist of the
pre-arrest investigation, conviction, custody, court ruling, initial court appearance before a
municipal judge, preliminary or grand jury hearing, the arraignment of the evidence or the
indictment, and petitions for pre-trial processes.
Aid of Counsel
The Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) guarantees the right to counsel, which is a critical
component of the Indian criminal justice system. Nonetheless, there are some circumstances in
which problems with the assistance of counsel during the pre-trial stage can occur. The problem
of having access to legal counsel is one of the major difficulties in this situation. The CrPC
guarantees the accused's right to be represented by a lawyer of their choosing, but in actuality,
this may not always be attainable. Due to financial limitations or the lack of attorneys in some
locations, there have been occasions where the accused was unable to secure legal
representation.
In Hussainara Khatoon v. State of Bihar, the court determined that the right to legal
representation is a necessary component of a fair trial and that the state is responsible for
providing legal representation to individuals who cannot afford it. The issue of adequate legal
representation may also come up during the preliminary hearing stage. Even if the accused has
access to legal representation, there may be instances where the standard of the defense is
subpar. Under certain situations, the accused could be unable to mount a compelling defense,
which could result in an injustice.
In general, the fairness and integrity of the pre-trial procedure depend on assuring the presence
of counsel. The Indian legal system has to take action to guarantee that the accused has access
to legal representation and that it is both sufficient and effective. Failing to do so may result in
issues that impair the legal process and may cause errors in the administration of justice.
Illegal Arrest
According to the Indian Constitution, the right to protection from unlawful arrest is a
fundamental right, and the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) offers protection against
arbitrary or illegal detention. Nonetheless, there are some circumstances in which protection
against unlawful arrest during the preliminary hearings can become problematic.
The problem of unwarranted arrests is one of the key difficulties. There have been instances
where the police have made arrests without a warrant even though such arrests are not permitted
by law, even though the CrPC permits warrantless arrests in some circumstances, such as when
a cognizable violation is committed in the presence of a police officer. The integrity of the legal
system may be jeopardized lot of accusations of illegitimate or arbitrary arrests.
The courts must in these situations make sure that the accused's rights are upheld. The right to
personal liberty is recognized by the Indian Supreme Court as a basic right guaranteed by the
Constitution, and any restriction on that right must be legal. In Joginder Kumar v. State of U.P.,
the court ruled that the right to make an arrest must be used strictly in accordance with the law
and that any deviation would make the arrest unlawful. The problem of torture or physical
abuse in detention is another concern that could come up during the pre-trial stage. In certain
cases, the police have used force or torture while holding someone in prison, either to coerce a
confession or as a form of punishment. In addition to violating the accused's rights, this may
jeopardize the fairness of the legal system.
1. Delay in Investigation
Delays in the inquiry process can cause issues during the pre-trial stage. The Code of
Criminal Procedure (CrPC) stipulates that the investigation process must be completed
within a certain per, although there have been occasions where investigations have been
postponed, creating difficulties at the pre-trial stage. The infringement of the accused's
rights is one of the major issues brought on by investigation process delays. This may
potentially result in the accused spending time in custody without being tried, which
would violate their right to personal liberty.
Loss of evidence is another issue that may develop as a result of inquiry process delays.
Investigations that take longer than expected may result in the loss of important witnesses
or pieces of evidence, endangering the fairness of the courtroom proceedings. Due to the
lack of crucial evidence, this may result in cases where the accused is wrongfully
convicted or exonerated.
The prosecution must move swiftly and make sure that investigations are carried out
without undue delay, according to the Supreme Court of India. In State of the Punjab v.
Singhara Singh, the court determined that the prosecution must proceed promptly and
diligently to guarantee that the trial is handled fairly since a delay in the investigation
process may result in the loss of important evidence. In general, delays in the
investigation process can cause issues during the pre-trial stage and jeopardize the
fairness of the legal system.
Suggestions:
The following ideas can be taken into consideration to reduce the potential issues that
may develop during the pre-trial stage under the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC):
1)Tight adherence to legal safeguards: To protect the rights of the accused, law
enforcement agencies must adhere strictly to the legal safeguards given by the CrPC. This
entails making sure that no torture or other forms of involuntary corporal punishment are
employed, that the accused is informed of the reasons for the arrest, and that arrest
warrants are secured where necessary.
2) Investigation that must be completed within a certain amount of time: The CrPC
stipulates that an investigation must be completed within a certain amount of time. The
investigating officer must make sure that the inquiry is finished promptly and that the
charge sheet is sent to the court.
3) Law enforcement personnel must be trained and made more aware of the value of
respecting the rights of the accused and the necessity of abiding by the legal protections
established by the CrPC. To make sure that authorities are knowledgeable of the legal
requirements and better prepared to address pre-trial issues, regular training and
sensitization programs might be helpful.
4) Technology use: Using electronic document filing, video conferencing, and electronic
evidence can speed up the pre-trial process and reduce delays. This can aid in ensuring
that cases are handled more quickly and that the rights of the accused are upheld.
5) Review of the legal framework: The CrPC's pre-trial procedural rules should be
routinely examined to make sure they remain relevant to society's changing demands and
the legal environment as a whole. This can assist in finding any holes or flaws in the legal
system and implementing the required corrections.
6) Fast-track courts: Creating fast-track courts can help clear the backlog of cases and
guarantee that pre-trial activities are finished in a fair amount of time.
7) Ultimately, it is crucial to take action to guarantee a fair and effective pre-trial stage of
criminal proceedings. This can aid in avoiding issues and guarantee that justice is served
promptly and effectively.
India’s criminal laws have sparked a closer look into the difficulties, consequences and
objections associated with these changes. A particular area of concern that has garnered
increased scrutiny is the increase in the duration of police custody under the Bharatiya Nagarik
Suraksha Sanhita. Raising the limit from 15 days to either 60 or 90 days depending on the
severity of the offense brings up questions about striking a balance, between law enforcement
requirements and protecting civil liberties.
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita introduces a series of broadly defined offences, particularly those
pertaining to the security of the state. While the omission of the term “sedition” is notable, its
replacement, “Acts endangering sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India,” retains ambiguous
wording, contributing to concerns about potential over criminalization. The expansive scope of
offences like “organised crime” and “terrorist act” remains, and while attempts have been made
to clarify and limit their definitions, questions linger about potential misuse and impact on
individuals. Issues like high vacancies, judicial overload, and the need for comprehensive
infrastructure development and personnel training for forensic experts and audio-video
recording of statements must be diligently tackled to realize the intended efficiencies.
The new criminal laws also aims to streamline processes through mandatory audio-video
recording of search and seizure, the comprehensive impact depends on addressing deep-rooted
structural barriers. Achieving the intended reforms demands a holistic approach, encompassing
systemic changes, infrastructure development.
CONCLUSION
The analysis of the Bills reveals gaps and shortcomings that warrant attention. The exclusion of
the erstwhile section 377 of the IPC by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) poses a gap, leaving
no specific provision addressing the rape of an adult man. The proposed laws bring in offenses
that are worded in a manner particularly concerning the states security. This could potentially
result in over-criminalization and unclear legal provisions. Despite these concerns, the
legislative initiatives encapsulated in the three Acts underscore India’s commitment to reform
its legal and investigative systems. A notable focus on technology and forensic science
positions the legal framework in the modern era. The Acts demonstrate a commitment to
providing enhanced protection for marginalized and vulnerable segments of society, aligning the
criminal justice system with current needs and values.
“ New criminal law bills endanger the civil liberties”. It has been stated by many opposition
members that The new Criminal Procedure Code contains many provisions that are
unconstitutional and violate Articles 19 and 21 of the Constitution and It is the poor and
oppressed sections of the people who will bear the brunt of the new Penal Code and the new
Criminal Procedure Code. It has been stated that instead of strengthening "due process of law",
the new Criminal Procedure Code contains many provisions that severely restrict "freedom" and
"personal liberty". Controversies surround aspects such as the extension of police custody
duration, potential misuse of expanded powers, and concerns about over criminalization. The
new provisions for arrest and police custody (that can extend custody up to 60 days or 90 days)
will only lead to police excesses and custodial persecution.
The new laws seem to be heading towards a system that unreasonably expands state control by
extensive overcriminalisation and wider police powers. One particular aspect of the BNSS will
have a significant impact on civil liberties but it has barely received any attention. The massive
expansion of the possible duration of police custody in the BNSS strikes at the very heart of
civil liberties protection. The BNSS expands the maximum limit of police custody under
general criminal law from 15 days to either 60 days or 90 days (depending on the nature of the
offence). Under our current law, police custody is limited to the first 15 days of arrest. The
expansion under the proposed BNSS heightens the risk of exposure to police excesses. Given
widely acknowledged concerns about the safety of arrested persons in police custody, and the
heightened risk of coerced and fabricated evidence after prolonged detention, this provision of
the BNSS is a shocking expansion of police powers. Remarkably, our general criminal law will
now incorporate provisions that were until now limited to “special laws”. In fact, these
provisions go beyond what the “special laws' ' provide on the duration of police custody.
Crime, which is usually defined as actions, mistakes, or illegal activities that can be
punished by the law, and criminal laws go hand in hand in every community. The phrase
“criminal law” covers a wide range of laws. The main goal of enforcing any criminal law
is to make sure the guilty party bears the weight of their wrongdoings and that the
aggrieved party gets justice through well-established legal processes.
The primary motive for this massive overhaul was rooted in the realization that the
existent criminal laws were chiefly remnants of colonialism and required major
amendments. In the past, as a nation, we were the only ones who took on these rules
spawning from the British Parliament. They own up to 475 historical mentions in the UK
Parliament, London Gazette, Privy Council, and the British Crown. This justification
shows that this much-awaited change was necessary.
1. Is CrPC actually a fail, if yes then what are the incidences that showcase it’s failure?
3. Will the change bring a real progress in the country or is it just a political play?
5. Effects the change can bring to the Criminal Justice System. Will it be Positive or
Negative?
Note-
*Nothing in this study guide can be used as an established fact in the
committee without a credible source mentioned by the delegate. This guide is
only for your basic knowledge and understanding of the agenda.
*Kindly do not limit your research to this guide only, broaden your horizons
or research and knowledge. The topics mentioned above gives you a gist of
the flow of committee and what the Executive Board expects the committee to
be implemented like
For any queries you can contact the EB on the e mail ids mentioned above.