Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question is based on the 2023 reforms in Indian Criminal Law.
We need to identify the newly enacted statute that replaced the historical Indian Evidence Act, 1872.
Step 2: Key Concept or Approach:
As part of the criminal law reforms, the Indian Evidence Act of 1872 was replaced with a new act incorporating modern technological developments and electronic evidence rules.
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
• The Indian Evidence Act, 1872, drafted originally by Sir James Fitzjames Stephen, was repealed in 2023.
• It was replaced by the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 (BSA).
- The word "Sakshya" is the Hindi word for "Evidence".
- This new Act introduced significant reforms, particularly expanding the definitions of electronic and digital records, and simplifying oral and documentary evidence rules.
• Let us evaluate the options:
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Option (A): "Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita" - This replaced the Indian Penal Code, 1860.
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Option (B): "Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam" - This is the correct replacement for the Indian Evidence Act.
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Option (C): "Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha" - This refers to the code that replaced the CrPC.
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Option (D): "Transfer of Property Act" - This is an unrelated civil law enacted in 1882.
Step 4: Final Answer:
The Indian Evidence Act, 1872 has been replaced by the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, which corresponds to Option (B).