Seek views of domain experts: Opposition MPs in panel examining 3 crime laws

The parliamentary committee on home affairs examining bills to replace IPC, CrPC and the Indian Evidence Act should seek inputs from eminent jurists, human rights lawyers and senior advocates, Opposition members in the panel suggested to the chairperson during its meeting in New Delhi on Tuesday.

Congress, Trinamool Congress and other Opposition members are believed to have expressed unhappiness that their views were 'not fully incorporated' in the minutes of committee meetings, sources said.

An opposition member is also believed to have said that it should be made clear that the bills only propose to amend the sedition law and not remove it. Opposition members are also believed to have said the panel should not be in 'big hurry' to examine the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill, 2023; Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita Bill, 2023; and Bharatiya Sakshya Bill, 2023.


According to sources, a senior Opposition leader has also written a letter to the panel chairperson seeking bipartisan discussion and appropriate time for opposition members in the committee to express their views, considering the significance of the bills. The MP is also believed to have suggested that during meetings an atmosphere for scrutiny, debate and discussion should be created.

The committee chaired by BJP MP and former DGP of UP, Brij Lal, has held four sittings till now. Home secretary Ajay Bhalla had briefed the panel in first two meetings. Former CBI special director Praveen Sinha, legal affairs joint secretary Padmini Singh and Bureau of Police Research and Development ADG Anupama Nilekar Chandra made presentations before the parliamentary committee.