India’s criminal justice system needs real decolonising, and must go beyond mere textual changes

The origins of the IPC reveal a story shaped by colonial dominance. Macaulay's belief in the superiority of Western law and civilization resulted in the imposition of ideals that overlooked native legal traditions. Though aimed at simplifying the legal framework and delivering justice, it inadvertently burdened us with a legacy rooted in colonial and Victorian values. This opinion was published in The Economic Times on August 16, 2023.