New sections in criminal laws: Cheating is not Section 420 but 318, punishment for murder is Section 103

On July 1, 2024, India implemented three new criminal laws: the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA). The BNS replaces the Indian Penal Code, the BNSS replaces the Criminal Procedure Code, and the BSA replaces the Indian Evidence Act. \r

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The laws aim to remove colonial influences from India’s legal system, according to Home Minister Amit Shah, who emphasized their modern perspective and focus on justice and human rights. The BNS consolidates criminal charges under new sections; for example, murder is now Section 103, rape is Section 63, and cheating is Section 318.