The BNS: A missed opportunity for gender inclusivity and LGBTQ+ rights

The Statement of Objects and Reasons of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill, 2023 (BNS) articulates a commendable intention to make various offences gender-neutral and to increase the focus on offences against women and children. While this seems like a significant step towards promoting gender equality and inclusivity, the BNS miserably falls short of fulfilling this objective. This opinion was published in Deccan Herald on September 21, 2023.