
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has ruled that using abbreviations for the new criminal laws, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), is not a violation of any law. This decision aims to simplify legal documentation and communication, making it more accessible and reducing linguistic barriers.
Background
India recently introduced three new criminal laws to replace the British-era Indian Penal Code (IPC), Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), and the Indian Evidence Act. The new laws—BNS, BNSS, and BSA—are designed to modernize the country’s criminal justice system by incorporating provisions such as Zero FIR, electronic communication for reporting crimes, and mandatory videography of crime scenes for serious offenses.
Court’s Observations
Justice Anoop Chitkara emphasized that lengthy and complex titles of the new laws can create linguistic barriers and cognitive overload. By using abbreviations, the legal process can be streamlined, making it easier for people from different linguistic backgrounds to understand and use the laws effectively. The court noted that abbreviations would not violate any legal provisions and would promote inclusivity and efficiency in the judicial system.
Implementation
The court clarified that abbreviating the names of the new laws in legal documents such as FIRs, petitions, and orders is permissible. This move is expected to enhance the accessibility of legal language and reduce the complexity involved in legal proceedings.
Implications
This ruling is significant as it sets a precedent for simplifying legal language, making the judicial process more user-friendly. It also underscores the importance of adapting legal practices to contemporary needs and linguistic diversity.
The new criminal laws, now referred to as BNS, BNSS, and BSA, are set to bring about significant changes in India’s criminal justice system, focusing on modernizing processes and ensuring timely justice delivery. This includes faster framing of charges, quicker judgments, and better protection for victims of serious crimes.
By adopting these abbreviations, the court has taken a step towards making the legal system more accessible and efficient for all stakeholders.