Delhi street vendor booked in first FIR under new criminal code the day it takes effect

The first FIR under the new criminal code was registered in New Delhi on Monday, the same day it came into force. The complaint under Section 173 of the new Bharatiya Nagarik Sanhita (BNS) was filed against a street vendor for obstructing a road near the New Delhi Railway Station.

India has replaced its British-era Indian Penal Code, Criminal Procedure Code and the Indian Evidence Act laws with new reforms, with the objective of making the criminal justice system faster and more efficient. All the FIRs from July 1, 2024, will be registered under provisions of BNS.

All the cases registered before July 1, 2024, will continue to be tried under IPC, CrPC and the Indian Evidence Act until final.

First case filed under new criminal laws

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The first case was filed under Section 285 of the new criminal code for obstructing a foot over bridge at New Delhi Railway Station and conducting sales.

Fault of the accused booked under new criminal laws

According to the FIR, the case has been registered against 23-year-old Pankaj Kumar, a resident of Baad Bakhtiyaarpur village in Bihar’s Patna.

What does the first FIR under new criminal laws say?

The FIR mentions that Pankaj Kumar, the accused was vending tobacco products and water bottles from a cart positioned under foot over bridge, close to the main road, resulting in obstruction and inconvenience to passersby.

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The on-duty cops patrolling in the area instructed the accused to relocate his cart, but he disregarded their instructions.

The police officer asked several passers-by to join the probe, but they refused. Then he shot a video using the e-praman application, the FIR mentioned.

Who has filed the first FIR under new criminal laws?

The first complaint under the new criminal laws has been filed by sub-inspector Kartik Meena of the Kamla Market police station, who was on patrol duty last night.

The cop asked Pankaj Kumar repeatedly to move his cart, but when he did not, the police officer moved to register an FIR.

What is Section 285?

According to Section 285 of the BNS “Whoever, by doing any act, or by omitting to take order with any property in his possession or under his charge, causes danger, obstruction or injury to any person in any public way or public line of navigation, shall be punished with fine which may extend to Rs 5,000.”

New Criminal Laws

Three new criminal codes — Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam — have come into force from July 1, 2024.

The criminal codes have been changed with the aim to ensure speedy justice and tackling new kinds of crime. Also, judgments are now required within 45 days of completion of trial and charges must be framed within 60 days of the first hearing.