The Delhi Police have registered the first FIR under the newly enacted Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023 (BNS) against a street vendor at New Delhi Railway Station. This development marks a significant milestone in India’s transition from its colonial-era legal framework.

The case was registered under Section 285 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which deals with obstruction of public spaces. The street vendor was found obstructing a foot overbridge and conducting sales. The FIR was filed after a police officer on patrol duty on Sunday night noticed the vendor selling water bottles and gutkha on the road. Despite repeated requests to relocate his makeshift stall, the vendor did not comply, leading to the FIR’s registration.

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023 (BNSS) and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam 2023 (BSA), came into effect on Monday, replacing the long-standing British-era statutes governing criminal procedure and evidence in India. These new laws are designed to address modern-day crimes and current social realities, aligning with the ideals enshrined in the Indian Constitution.

Key features of the new laws include the provision for Zero FIRs, the online registration of police complaints, electronic summonses through SMS, and mandatory videography of crime scenes for all heinous crimes. The new legislation aims to modernize India’s justice system, ensuring it is more efficient and just.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who piloted the laws, emphasized that the new laws prioritize providing justice, in contrast to the colonial-era laws that focused on penal action. “These laws are made by Indians, for Indians, and by an Indian Parliament, marking the end of colonial criminal justice laws,” he stated.

As India moves forward with these new laws, all fresh FIRs will be registered under the BNS. However, cases filed before the enactment will continue to be tried under the old laws until their final disposal.