Key Provisions of the New Sanhitas
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued a press note on 28 July 2026 outlining major changes under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS). The reforms aim to make the justice system more accessible, transparent, and victim‑friendly.
Victim‑Centric Provisions
- Report incidents online – victims can lodge complaints through electronic means, eliminating the need to visit a police station.
- Zero FIR enables filing of FIRs at any police station.
- Free copy of FIR – the victim receives a duplicate without charge.
- Right to inform a chosen person upon arrest – ensures immediate support for the arrested individual.
- Display of arrest information – an ASI‑rank officer must publicly display details of all arrests at each police station.
- Progress updates – victims get case status within 90 days.
- Document supply – both victim and accused receive FIR, charge‑sheet, statements, etc., within 14 days.
- Witness Protection Scheme is now mandatory for all states.
- Exemption from police‑station visits for women, children, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities or acute illness.
- Statutory hearing of the victim before withdrawal of prosecution (Section 360 BNSS).
Timelines for Faster Justice
The new code sets strict deadlines for each stage of investigation and trial:
- Pre‑liminary enquiry – 14 days
- Further investigation – 90 days
- Supply of documents to parties – 14 days
- Commitment of case for trial – 90 days
- Filing of discharge applications – 60 days
- Framing of charges – 60 days
- Pronouncement of judgment – 45 days
- Mercy petitions – 30 days to Governor, 60 days to President
Offences against women and children receive