Colonial Shadows: the Persistence of Hierarchical Structures in India's Post-independence Criminal Justice System

Kajal Tyagi

Colonial Shadows: the Persistence of Hierarchical Structures in India's Post-independence Criminal Justice System

Author(s)	Kajal Tyagi
Country	India
Abstract	This article provides a critical analysis of the evolution of India's criminal justice system 78 years post-independence, emphasizing the persistence of colonial hierarchies within law enforcement, the judiciary, and penal practices. Despite numerous reform initiatives, significant features of the system continue to echo colonial influences, especially in their hierarchical and authoritarian frameworks. Although key colonial statutes, like the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), have been recently succeeded by the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Bhartiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), it is essential to evaluate whether these changes signify a true departure from colonial legacies or merely reinforce existing power structures. The discussion delves into the lasting impact of colonial-era practices on contemporary policing, judicial shortcomings, and incarceration methods, particularly highlighting their disproportionate effects on marginalized groups. The article also draws comparative lessons from other post-colonial countries, including South Africa, Kenya, and Malaysia, to guide India's journey toward decolonization. In conclusion, the study advocates for a comprehensive approach to decolonizing India's criminal justice system that extends beyond mere legal reforms. It calls for structural transformations in law enforcement, improved judicial accountability, and community-oriented policing strategies. The research stresses the necessity of establishing a justice system that genuinely embodies India's democratic principles of equity, transparency, and fairness.
Keywords	Colonial influences, criminal justice reform, decolonization, Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bhartiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita, law enforcement transformation, judicial responsibility, post-colonial India.
Field	Sociology > Administration / Law / Management
Published In	Volume 6, Issue 5, September-October 2024
Published On	2024-10-15
Cite This	Colonial Shadows: the Persistence of Hierarchical Structures in India's Post-independence Criminal Justice System - Kajal Tyagi - IJFMR Volume 6, Issue 5, September-October 2024.

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Colonial Shadows: the Persistence of Hierarchical Structures in India's Post-independence Criminal Justice System

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