AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi raised alarm on Thursday regarding the implementation of three new criminal laws in India, asserting that they will disproportionately target the poor, marginalized communities, and specific religious and social groups. Speaking at a seminar in Hyderabad, Owaisi expressed concern that the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), which took effect on July 1, will erode the rights of common citizens while granting extensive powers to law enforcement agencies.
Owaisi’s remarks come in the wake of widespread criticism surrounding the new legislation, which he claims could exacerbate existing inequalities within the justice system. “These new laws will now be used even more than before against the poor, weaker sections, Muslims, Adivasis, and Dalits,” he stated, highlighting his belief that the changes will facilitate greater police action against vulnerable populations.
The AIMIM leader emphasized that the new laws do not include provisions for holding police accountable for potential abuses or mistakes in their application. “There is no mention of what action will be taken against police if they commit any mistakes,” Owaisi pointed out, raising concerns over the lack of safeguards for citizens.
Owaisi went further to draw comparisons between the newly enacted laws and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), a contentious piece of legislation often criticized for its broad powers and potential for misuse. “The new laws are more dangerous than the UAPA,” he claimed, warning that the sweeping authority granted to law enforcement could lead to a significant increase in arbitrary arrests and detentions.
Critics of the new laws have echoed Owaisi’s sentiments, asserting that they could deepen existing societal divides and reinforce systemic discrimination. They argue that the legislation may be used to stifle dissent and target activists, particularly those advocating for the rights of marginalized communities.
The introduction of the BNS, BNSS, and BSA aims to modernize India’s criminal justice framework, but Owaisi and other opponents contend that the changes prioritize state power over individual rights. The seminar served as a platform for discussing the implications of these laws and strategizing on how to address the challenges posed by their implementation.
Participants at the seminar included legal experts, social activists, and community leaders, all expressing their concerns regarding the potential consequences of the new legislation. Many urged for a comprehensive review of the laws to ensure they promote justice rather than oppression.
As discussions surrounding the new criminal laws continue, Owaisi’s assertions reflect a growing apprehension among various civil society groups about the direction of India’s legal framework and its impact on vulnerable populations. The AIMIM president’s call to action emphasizes the need for vigilance and advocacy to protect the rights of all citizens, particularly those at the margins of society.
The government, meanwhile, has defended the new laws as necessary reforms aimed at improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the criminal justice system. However, the ongoing debate highlights the need for a careful examination of the balance between state authority and individual liberties in a democratic society.