The Parliament has passed three new criminal laws that will come into force July 1 onwards: the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), which will replace the Indian Penal Code 1860, the Criminal Procedure Code 1973, and the Indian Evidence Act 1872, respectively.
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita will consist of 358 sections, as opposed to the IPC's 511 sections. The measure includes 20 new crimes in all and more severe sentences in prison for 33 of them.
The New Criminal Laws - Strengthening Protection for Women from Sexual Harassment
The terms of Prevention and Prohibition
- Defines and Prohibits sexual harassment
- Fosters a harassment-free workplace
The Alignment with International Standards
- Reinforces commitment to gender equality and non-discrimination
The terms of Criminal Penalties
- Physical Contact
- Demands for sexual favours
- Displaying pornography against a woman's will
- Making sexually coloured remarks
The Civil Remedies
- Victims may pursue civil remedies through legal avenues
- Includes civil lawsuits and administrative complaints
The Workplace Policies
- Employers are required by law to implement policies and procedures
- Focus on preventing and addressing sexual harassment in the workplace
Strategies for Reducing Sexual Harassment
- Education
- Culture of Respect
- Policies
- Victim Empowerment
- Collaboration and advocacy
Inputs: Agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
© Copyright 2024. All Rights Reserved Powered by Vygr Media.
