KTR asks govt to clarify stance on new crime laws

BRS Working President KTR issued an open letter demanding the Telangana government and the ruling Congress to publicly declare their stands on enforcing the new criminal laws.
In his open letter, KTR said the ‘draconian’ laws, which have elicited substantial opposition from diverse groups, are being condemned for encroaching on fundamental civil rights and personal freedoms. He pointed out that critics fear that these laws could potentially establish a police state within the nation.
He pointed out that the Chief Ministers of West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka have already opposed these laws and emphasised that the Telangana government must take a clear stance to uphold the State’s image as a champion of civil rights.
He said the Telangana government must clarify whether it will implement these new criminal laws or introduce amendments, following the examples set by other states.
KTR demanded immediate action from the Congress government and asked them to send a letter to the Centre demanding amendments to the ‘autocratic’ sections of these new laws.
He also called for passing a resolution during the Assembly session which would be sent to the Centre. Failure to do so would will result in the TG government being perceived as authoritarian and anti-people, he added.
The new criminal laws which replaced the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), and the Indian Evidence Act (IEA) with the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA, came into effect nationwide since July 1.
Many provisions in these laws are viewed as serious violations of basic civil rights and personal freedoms. Civil rights activists and legal experts said that these laws disproportionately favour the police and the government, and would suppresses legitimate protests.
Key issues highlighted by critics are, Peaceful protests against government actions being criminalised.
 of police custody from 15 days to 90 days. Authority granted to the police to seize property without court permission.
Discretionary powers given to investigative agencies for prosecuting those involved in organised crime.
Ambiguous provisions concerning cybercrimes, hacking and privacy.
The new laws have already led to confusion as cases must be tried under different laws depending on when they were filed.
The reintroduction of the sedition law as ‘treason’ is particularly concerning, as it could be used to suppress criticism of the government.
The new laws have the potential to usher in a police state, KTR remarked. He noted that since the last seven months, the state government has been using the police extensively to suppress protests by students, youth and social media activists. Under these new laws, such actions could lead to an even more oppressive environment.