Mamata Banerjee Challenges Amit Shah in a Fiery Face-off

Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to avoid rushing the implementation of new criminal laws and instead build consensus on them. Banerjee argues that overhauling the existing laws without proper consultation could have significant implications on the political landscape. Shah is currently visiting Bengal.

The Centre has drafted three bills to replace the colonial-era Indian Penal Code, The Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, and the Indian Evidence Act, 1872. These new laws, known as Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, are expected to be passed in the upcoming winter session of parliament.

In her letter to Shah, Banerjee emphasized the significance of these legislations as the foundation of India’s penal-criminal jurisprudence. She expressed concerns about the far-reaching long-term implications of completely overhauling the existing criminal-penal statutes and replacing them with new ones. Banerjee also highlighted that the proposed changes would impact public life in the country.

Banerjee urged Shah to prioritize consensus-building among all stakeholders on the proposed bills, rather than rushing to pass them in their current form. She emphasized the potential serious implications of the bills in the future and stressed the need to consider the sensitivity of the subject.

The INDIA alliance, along with the Opposition members, has voiced strong opposition to the proposed laws. They have suggested revisiting the bills once the new government comes into power next year, considering the upcoming general elections. Additionally, the Opposition members have submitted dissent notes to the criminal bills in the Parliamentary Standing Committee.