Harming Women's Mental Health Defined As "Cruelty" In New Criminal Code

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• Dec 13, 2023 | Dhupali Das

The new criminal bill Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, aiming to supersede the India Penal Code and other associated criminal laws...

Digital Desk: In a bid to fortify legal provisions against crimes targeting women, the government has bolstered the new criminal bill Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, aiming to supersede the India Penal Code and other associated criminal laws.

The updated bill introduces two critical sections to address pressing concerns. Section 86 is a noteworthy addition, explicitly defining "cruelty" in the context of women's safety. It now encompasses not only physical harm but also factors affecting mental health—a crucial step toward safeguarding women's overall well-being.

Equally significant is the newly added provision, prohibiting the disclosure of the identity of sexual assault survivors during court proceedings without explicit consent. Offenders violating this section could face a two-year jail term, emphasizing the government's commitment to protecting the privacy and dignity of survivors.

Introduced alongside the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam bills in Lok Sabha on August 11, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill is part of a comprehensive legislative overhaul. Home Minister Amit Shah underscored the significance of these reforms, emphasizing that expert consultations and stakeholder input have shaped these revisions following recommendations by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs.

The collective aim of these bills is to modernize and replace archaic laws, including the Code of Criminal Procedure Act, 1898, the Indian Penal Code, 1860, and the Indian Evidence Act, 1872. This legislative initiative marks a pivotal stride toward a more robust legal framework safeguarding women's rights and dignity in India.