Jaipur: In India, the implementation of the new Indian justice system, known as the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), introduces significant changes in handling absconding criminals. Under this new framework, individuals who are evading arrest and are accused of crimes that carry a punishment of over 10 years imprisonment, life imprisonment, or the death penalty will be designated as ‘proclaimed offenders’.
This designation carries substantial legal implications. Firstly, it means that these absconding individuals will face additional legal consequences simply for not appearing in court. Secondly, and most importantly, the judicial process will no longer be hindered by their absence. Previously, trials could be indefinitely delayed while waiting for the accused to be apprehended and brought before the court, causing prolonged uncertainty and distress for the victims and their families.
With this new provision, the court can proceed with the trial in the absence of the proclaimed offender, ensuring that the judicial process continues uninterrupted. This shift aims to expedite the delivery of justice, providing victims and their families with timely resolutions and reducing the backlog of cases that often plagues the legal system.
The BNSS thus marks a significant step forward in India’s efforts to create a more efficient and victim-centric justice system, where the rights and needs of victims are prioritized, and justice is not unduly delayed by procedural hurdles.
