Kapil Sibal claims BNS Bill will be used to 'silence opponents'

New Delhi: The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill, which aims to replace the Indian Penal Code (IPC) from colonial times, is accused by former law minister Kapil Sibal on Saturday of allowing the deployment of "draconian police powers for political ends."

Additionally, he asserted that the government's goal in bringing such laws is to "silence opponents".

In an overhaul of criminal laws, the Centre on Friday introduced in Lok Sabha three bills to replace the IPC, Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) and Indian Evidence Act, proposing, among other things, repeal of the sedition law and introducing a new provision with a wider definition of the offence.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah introduced the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Bill, 2023; Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) Bill, 2023 to replace the CrPC; and Bharatiya Sakshya (BS) Bill, 2023 that will replace the Indian Evidence Act.

In a tweet, Rajya Sabha MP Sibal said, "Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (2023) (BNS) allows for using draconian police powers for political ends." "BNS: Allows for police custody from 15 up to 60 or 90 days. New offences for prosecuting persons who threaten the security of the state (redefined). Agenda: To silence opponents," he said.

The BNS Bill provides for several changes in the existing provisions including that of defamation and attempt to commit suicide and expands the scope of offences against women pertaining to sexual intercourse by employing "deceitful means".

Shah has said the changes have been made to provide speedy justice.

With PTI inputs