Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna recently highlighted the critical role of criminal law in shaping society and urged young lawyers to embrace it as their first career choice. Speaking at the launch of Ratanlal & Dhirajlal's Law of Crimes: A Comprehensive Commentary on Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, CJI Khanna emphasized the need for evidence-based approaches in criminal jurisprudence and the importance of attracting fresh talent to the field.
CJI Khanna pointed out that criminal law holds a unique position in the legal framework, directly impacting individual liberty, social harmony, and the balance between state power and personal freedom. He noted that while many young lawyers shy away from criminal practice, the majority of litigation in district courts revolves around criminal cases.
“Criminal law is incredibly vast and directly affects citizens' lives daily. It authorizes arrest, detention, and deprivation of liberty—powers that shape the lives of individuals. We cannot ignore its importance,” he said.
The CJI expressed hope that more young lawyers would choose criminal law as their primary career path rather than viewing it as a secondary option or compulsion. He stressed that the field offers immense opportunities to make a meaningful impact on society.
CJI Khanna emphasized that criminal law must evolve with the times, relying on empirical evidence and data-driven approaches. He highlighted the principle of proportionality, often applied by constitutional benches, which is rooted in data and evidence.
“Criminal jurisprudence in the future will not rely on untested assertions about behavior and social dynamics. It will increasingly depend on data. Data exists, data speaks, and analytical tools are available. We must let evidence drive criminal law forward,” he stated.
He also pointed out that law schools often overlook the importance of teaching evidence-based approaches, a gap that needs to be addressed to prepare future lawyers and judges for the challenges of modern criminal law.
The event marked the launch of a comprehensive commentary on the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, edited by former CJI Justice Uday Umesh Lalit. CJI Khanna praised the work, stating that such commentaries remain indispensable despite the digital age.
“In today’s era of instant access to cases and statutes, some may argue that comprehensive commentaries are less essential. I disagree. Judgments are not commentaries, and they often rely on these foundational texts. We need commentaries now more than ever,” he said.
He added that the new commentary continues the legacy of excellence set by its predecessors, offering a detailed and practical analysis of criminal law.
Delhi High Court Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya, who also spoke at the event, described the launch as a significant moment in legal history. He highlighted the need for a modernized and simplified criminal justice system that addresses the realities of citizens, especially the vulnerable.
“Our criminal justice system has long needed simplification, modernization, and a framework that understands the lived realities of our citizens. Justice must be accessible, efficient, and sensitive to the evolving needs of society,” he said.
Justice Upadhyaya also emphasized the importance of technology-driven investigations and stronger victim representation in legal proceedings.
Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal congratulated Justice UU Lalit for the commentary and praised the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 as a significant step forward in delivering justice under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. He described the new code as a replacement for the outdated Indian Penal Code of 1860, reflecting the changing needs of society.
Justice UU Lalit, in his address, credited the team of legal experts and professors from Galgotias University for their efforts in creating the commentary. Attorney General R. Venkataramani also lauded the work, calling it a valuable resource for the legal community.
