First Case Under New Criminal Code Filed Against Delhi’s Street Vendor

Today marked the enforcement of the new criminal code, Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, and the first FIR under this code was filed against a street vendor near the New Delhi Railway Station. The vendor was accused of obstructing the road, and the FIR was lodged under Section 285 of the new code. This section states that anyone who causes danger, obstruction, or injury to any person in a public way or public line of navigation by their actions or negligence can be fined up to five thousand rupees.

The incident occurred when a police officer on patrol noticed the vendor selling water bottles and gutkha on the road. The vendor’s makeshift stall was blocking the road, and despite repeated requests from the officer to move it, the vendor did not comply. Consequently, the officer decided to file an FIR.

According to the FIR, which NDTV has obtained, the vendor had set up his stall under a foot overbridge near the New Delhi Railway Station late at night. The vendor was selling water, bidi, and cigarettes, causing inconvenience to the public. The sub-inspector asked the vendor multiple times to remove his stall, but he refused. The sub-inspector also requested several passers-by to assist in the investigation, but they declined. Eventually, the sub-inspector recorded a video using the e-praman application as evidence.

The vendor has been identified as Pankaj Kumar from Patna, Bihar.

Today also saw the implementation of three new criminal codes: Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam. These new codes replace the old Indian Penal Code, Indian Evidence Act, and the Code of Criminal Procedure, which were from the colonial era.

The changes in the criminal codes aim to ensure faster justice and address new types of crimes. Under the new system, judgments must be delivered within 45 days of the trial’s completion, and charges must be framed within 60 days of the first hearing.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated that the new laws were introduced to ensure “speedy justice and justice for all.” However, opposition parties, including the Congress, argue that the decision to implement these new laws was rushed.