New Criminal Laws in India: Fugitives Now Face Trials in Absence, Swift Justice for International Criminals

India’s new criminal laws, which came into effect on July 1, 2024, have sparked significant reforms in the country’s justice system, especially for fugitives hiding abroad. Under the updated legal framework, criminals who have fled the country will no longer escape justice. The three pivotal laws introduced are the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Indian Citizens Protection Code (ICPC), and the Indian Evidence Act.

One of the most notable provisions is the abolition of the previous system where trials couldn’t begin until the accused was physically present. This often allowed accused criminals, including terrorists, gangsters, and financial criminals, to delay their trials for years, using their absence as a tactic. With the new laws, even in the absence of the accused, trials will proceed, and verdicts will be delivered. Once these offenders return to India, they will face immediate legal consequences and potential imprisonment.

The laws, overseen by the Ministry of Home Affairs, were detailed by Chandigarh’s Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Kanwarjeet Kaur. She explained that these reforms were necessary to address the challenges posed by criminals evading justice. Declared offenders, now categorized as fugitives, will face trials without delay, and verdicts will be announced even if they remain out of the country. The new system aims to eliminate long legal delays caused by the absence of accused individuals.

The reforms also streamline court processes with the implementation of video conferencing for hearings, allowing investigators, lawyers, and witnesses to participate remotely, ensuring cases progress without unnecessary adjournments. The law mandates that cases be resolved within specific timelines – 60 days for certain criminal trials, and 90 days for case investigations.

Moreover, the law strengthens witness protection, ensuring confidentiality, and offering counseling for mental trauma. The provisions also focus on the swift release of accused individuals on bail once certain conditions are met.