India: Crime

The enactment of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (“BNSS”) in 2023 signals a paradigm shift in India’s criminal procedural framework, aimed to enhance the efficiency, integrity, and responsiveness of the criminal justice system. Effective from 1 July 2024, the BNSS replaces the previously governing Code of Criminal Procedure (“CrPC”) of 1973. This new legislation introduces a range of reforms, including the integration of technology in trial processes, the provision for trial in absentia, zero FIR, and e-FIR, all aimed at streamlining the criminal justice procedures.

In a notable judgment dated May 29, 2026, a Division Bench of the Supreme Court of India comprising Hon’ble Justices BV Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan in Vijay Kumar Kela & Anr. v. CBI & Anr. quashed criminal proceedings initiated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (“CBI”) against a borrower whose loan account dues had already been settled through a compromise approved by the Debt Recovery Tribunal (“DRT”).

Supreme Court through its judgement dated 08.05.2026 in the matter of Sheikh Abedin v Iqbal Ahmed & Another held that final decree under Order XII Rule 6 of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (“CPC”) can be passed, based on admission made in course of criminal proceedings.