India's lawyers, activists protest against new criminal laws

Indian lawyers and activists are calling on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government to halt the implementation of new criminal laws, arguing they will increase litigation in an overburdened justice system and grant excessive powers to police. The new laws, effective since July 1, replace the Indian Penal Code of 1860, the 1973 Code of Criminal Procedure, and the Indian Evidence Act of 1872. They expand police powers, introduce the death penalty for gang-rape of minors, and impose strict deadlines for judicial rulings. Critics say the laws will complicate legal work, increase litigation, and potentially lead to police abuse.