The Delhi Lawyers Forum: Empowering Clergy and Religious Leaders

Recently, the Delhi Lawyers Forum, a dynamic group of Catholic lawyers who are also priests and religious, convened for a day-long seminar at the Indian Social Institute in New Delhi. The forum sought to educate clergy and religious leaders on newly enacted criminal laws and empower them with the legal knowledge needed to safeguard minority communities, Dalits, Adivasis, and other marginalized groups.

Comprised of members practicing in various courts across Delhi, including the Supreme Court of India, the Delhi Lawyers Forum is affiliated with the National Lawyers Forum of Priests and Religious. Over 100 Catholic lawyers from different dioceses and congregations throughout India provide legal services to the impoverished and marginalized, regardless of caste, creed, or religion.

The primary focus of the seminar was on the implications of the recently introduced Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), which have replaced age-old legal codes. These laws, implemented in July 2024, have raised concerns about potential misuse against minority groups, creating widespread discussion among the legal community.

Attendees at the seminar voiced apprehension that these new laws could be exploited by certain factions to further subjugate marginalized communities. While some aspects of the laws have received criticism for being essentially old laws repackaged, there are significant updates including the integration of modern technology for evidence collection, updated definitions to reflect societal changes, and stricter penalties for crimes such as mob lynching and terrorism.

A major focus of discussion was the increased police powers granted under the new laws, which could disproportionately impact vulnerable groups already susceptible to bias. Participants also recognized positive changes, such as the removal of outdated laws and penalties for new categories of offenses.

In conclusion, the seminar called on clergy and religious leaders to deepen their understanding of these legal changes to better protect their communities. Stay informed with LiCAS News.

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