One-Day Workshop on : Reforms in Criminal Laws
(Under the lead college scheme of Shivaji University, Kolhapur)
Date: 18th March 2025
Venue: Shahaji Law College, Kolhapur
Time: 10:45 AM – 2:30 PM
Introduction
The workshop on Criminal Law Reforms was conducted on 18th March 2025 to discuss the major changes introduced in Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA). The event started with an introduction by Dr.Atul Jadhav (Co-Ordinator, Lead College) and was anchored by Kalyani Pawar (Assistant Professor). Several distinguished dignitaries and legal experts participated in the workshop.
Dignitaries on Stage
Dr. Vishwanath Magdum (Secretory, Counsil Of Education)
Dr. Savita Rasam (Professor, Shahaji Law College)
Dr. M. C. Sheikh (Professor, Shahaji Law College)
Dr. Suhas Patki (Professor, Shahaji Law College)
Dr. Atul Jadhav (Professor, Shahaji Law College)
Dr. Asmita Patil (Professor, Shahaji Law College)
Key Discussions and Insights
Session I: Changing Legal Framework and Scientific Approach
Speaker: Dr. Vishwanath Magdum
Dr. Magdum emphasized the importance of adapting to modern legal needs. His key points were: Science and law must go hand in hand; thus, new laws like BNS, BNSS, and BSA were introduced. Forensic medicine is crucial in investigations. Post-mortem recordings are now mandatory under the new laws. FIRs can now be registered through email, making justice more accessible. Bias in police departments due to political and religious influence remains a concern. Digital technology and social media play a crucial role in modern crime investigations. The legal system should ensure that innocent people are not wrongfully punished.
Session II: Practical Implementation of Criminal Law Reforms
Speaker: Prof. Savita Rasam
Prof. Rasam focused on how institutions should adopt and implement the new criminal laws. She discussed: The role of lead college activities in spreading awareness about BNS, BNSS, and BSA. The need to focus on practical and procedural aspects of the new laws rather than just theoretical knowledge.
The workshop comprised multiple technical sessions, each led by distinguished speakers specializing in various domains of criminal law.
Technical Session I
Speaker: Dr. Anand Deshmukh
Topics Covered:
Dr. Anand Deshmukh, a Head of the Law Dept. at Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Chh.Sambhajinagar; specializing in corporate law, criminal law, and criminology, introduced the session with an overview of the codification of laws in India.
1. Historical Development of Criminal Law in India
Earlier, punishments were based on the Varna system and later evolved into religion-based penalties during the Mughal period. In 1857, Lord Macaulay drafted the Indian Penal Code (IPC) under British rule, introducing a Uniform Criminal Justice System ensuring equal punishment for the same crime without discrimination.
2. Colonial Laws and Their Relevance
The laws passed by the Britishers were colonial in nature, raising concerns about unconstitutionality and voidability in independent India.
Reforms in Penal Punishments:
31 new offenses were added.
19 offenses were deleted to modernize the legal framework.
3. Recent Developments
Introduction of community services as a penalty. Discussion on organized crime under Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA). Amendments in criminal conspiracy laws and penalties for terrorist activities & abetment.
Technical Session II
Speaker: Dr.Deepak Kshirsagar (Maniyar Law College, Jalgaon)
Topics Covered:
1. Gender-Based Offenses and Reforms
Gender-based offenses have seen changes, with voyeurism being the only exception. The legal system considers age factors (16-18 years) in determining the nature of offenses. Addressing the bias in rape laws, questioning why only males are held liable for rape & abetment while females are not.
2. Marital Rape & Gender-Neutral Laws
Marital rape is punishable only in specific conditions. The introduction of gender-neutral punishments aims to prevent misuse of laws.
3. Other Key Changes
Unnatural intercourse is penalized if the sole purpose of intercourse is not childbirth. Sedition law reform: The term “sedition” is now replaced with “endanger” under Section 152 BNS. Introduction of white-collar crime provisions and new offenses related to the kidnapping of children under lawful guardianship.
Technical Session III
Speaker: Adv. Sandip Chate
(B.Sc, LL.B, LL.B, ADR – Civil & Criminal Procedure)
Topics Covered:
1. Reforms in Criminal Procedure Code
Introduction of Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
Comparative analysis between CrPC & BNSS.
Removal of archaic & insensitive terms from the legal framework.
Enhancement of progressive safeguards to improve clarity and efficiency in legal procedures.
2. Major Amendments & Changes
Cosmetic changes in the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) 2023. Reference to legal judgments such as Hon'ble Justice P.N. Bhagwati (1978) and Justice Nariman, Ravindra, Ramsubramanian (2020). IEA (Indian Evidence Act) amendments from 1872 to 2019, with 26 revisions.
3. Modernization of Legal System
Synchronizing legal provisions with current socio-legal issues. Removal of outdated laws from the British colonial era. Comparative differentiation of BSA & IEA to highlight modern legal interpretations. Inclusion of electronic records submission to align with digital advancements.
Conclusion & Valedictory Session
The workshop successfully provided a deep understanding of legal transformations and contemporary criminal law reforms. It emphasized the need for a fair trial system, gender-neutral laws, and the removal of colonial-era ambiguities. The valedictory session included a certificate distribution by Hon'ble Dr.Parvin Patil (Principal, Shahaji Law College) and a vote of thanks by Dr. Patki Sir. The event proved to be an enlightening experience for students and researchers, bridging theoretical knowledge with practical legal advancements.
Note : All the slides of Power Point Presentation by speakers are compiled in the link below.
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