With the introduction of three new criminal laws, senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram voiced strong criticism against the government on Monday, describing the move as another instance of "bulldozing" existing laws without sufficient discussion or debate. The former home minister stressed that while some improvements have been made, the overall approach was unnecessary and lacking in constitutional alignment.

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam have replaced the British-era Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, and Indian Evidence Act, respectively.

In a pointed post on X, Chidambaram stated, "90-99 percent of the so-called new laws are a cut, copy, and paste job. A task that could have been completed with a few amendments to the existing three laws has been turned into a wasteful exercise."

Chidambaram acknowledged some positive changes within the new laws but argued that these could have been achieved through amendments. "Yes, there are a few improvements in the new laws and we have welcomed them. They could have been introduced as amendments. On the other hand, there are several retrograde provisions. Some changes are prima facie unconstitutional," he remarked.

He further highlighted that MPs who were part of the standing committee had meticulously reviewed the provisions and submitted detailed dissent notes. However, the government did not address any of the criticisms raised. "Law scholars, bar associations, judges, and lawyers have in numerous articles and seminars pointed out the grave deficiencies in the three new laws. No one in government has cared to answer the questions," he added.

Chidambaram accused the government of bypassing adequate debate in Parliament, stating, "It is another case of bulldozing three existing laws and replacing them with three new Bills without adequate discussion and debate."

He warned that the immediate effect would be to disrupt the administration of criminal justice. "In the medium term, numerous challenges to the laws will be instituted in various courts. In the long term, further changes must be made to the three laws to bring them in conformity with the Constitution and the modern principles of criminal jurisprudence," Chidambaram said.

In defense of the new legislation, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who championed the laws, asserted that the new framework prioritizes justice over the punitive focus of the British-era laws.