Advocates protest against ‘draconian’ new BNS laws

Former High Court bar association president B. Raghunath said, “This is part of a national protest in which intellectuals and senior advocates are also participating. The new criminal law is undemocratic and discriminatory as it gives excessive powers to the police.”

He cited the new guidelines whereby time has been given to the police in the name of preliminary inquiry after a victim approaches them with a complaint. He pointed out Lalita Kumari’s judgment which says that once a victim approaches the police, the officer is bound to book an FIR and not deviate or say no.

This will affect the marginalised sections, particularly if a Dalit woman is a victim of POA. The investigation officer (IO), as per the new law, will not register an FIR immediately, Raghunath said. He ridiculed the new law’s draconian provisions, though this is a special Act.

Moreover, as per the new law the police custody for interrogation has been increased, although there is no mention of custodial deaths, Raghunath said.

“We appeal to the central government to allow intellectuals and senior advocates to discuss the issue at a national level. In the meanwhile, we will be continuing our protests against the new law,” he said