What is Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), 2023 ?

The Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 is an updated and comprehensive law introduced to replace the Indian Evidence Act, 1872. This new legislation was part of a series of legal reforms aimed at modernizing the criminal justice system in India. The Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) governs the rules and procedures related to the admissibility, relevance, and evaluation of evidence in legal proceedings.

Key Features of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023

1. Modernization of Evidence Laws: The BSA updates the archaic provisions of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872, aligning them with contemporary legal and technological developments.
2. Digital and Electronic Evidence: The Act introduces more robust provisions for the admissibility and evaluation of digital and electronic evidence, recognizing the growing importance of technology in the modern world.
3. Witness Protection: The Act includes provisions aimed at enhancing the protection of witnesses, ensuring their safety and integrity during legal proceedings.
4. Simplified Language: The BSA is drafted in simpler and more accessible language compared to its predecessor, making it easier for the general public and legal practitioners to understand and apply.
5. Special Provisions for Vulnerable Sections: The Act recognizes the need for special procedures and protections for vulnerable witnesses, such as children and victims of sexual offenses.
6. Relevance and Admissibility: The Act streamlines the rules concerning the relevance and admissibility of evidence, making it easier for courts to evaluate the importance of different types of evidence.

Objective

The primary objective of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 is to create a more effective and efficient legal framework for the evaluation of evidence in criminal and civil cases, ensuring that justice is delivered fairly and swiftly.

This new legislation is part of a broader effort to overhaul India's legal system, which includes the introduction of other acts like the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (Criminal Procedure Act) and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (Criminal Law Act), aimed at replacing older laws with more contemporary ones.