Justice That Puts Victims First: New Protections for Women and Children in the BNS

Abstract

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) marks a transformative shift in India's criminal justice system, moving away from the colonial-era Indian Penal Code (IPC) towards a victim-centric legal framework. This research examines the structural and substantive changes introduced by the BNS, specifically focusing on the enhanced protections for women and children. Key reforms include the prioritization of offenses against these vulnerable groups, the integration of digital evidence, mandated video recording of search and seizure operations, and the creation of a dedicated chapter for crimes against children. While the BNS seeks to accelerate judicial processes and increase conviction rates for crimes such as sexual assault and dowry-related offenses, its ultimate success is contingent upon addressing significant implementation hurdles. These include the need for massive capacity building, technological standardization across diverse regions, and a fundamental cultural shift within law enforcement and the judiciary toward greater sensitivity. The study concludes that while the BNS provides a robust legislative shield, its effectiveness depends on the state‘s commitment to providing the necessary training and infrastructure to turn these "prose" promises into a lived reality for victims.