UGC Urges Law Universities to Include Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita in Curriculum, Focus on Forensic Justice

The University Grants Commission has urged National Law Universities (NLUs) and other leading law institutions across India to include studies on the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) in academic curriculum, highlighting its growing role in reshaping India’s criminal justice system.

The move comes as India continues transitioning from colonial-era legal frameworks to a modernised justice structure following the implementation of the BNS on July 1, 2024.

In an official communication, the UGC asked institutions where law is taught to examine the impact of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita on justice delivery and promote research-based case studies around its implementation, especially its emphasis on forensic evidence in criminal investigations.

UGC Asks NLUs, Law Colleges to Study BNS Reforms

According to the commission, premier legal education institutions should closely examine how the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita has introduced structural changes in criminal law and justice administration.

The UGC stated that law universities and colleges should study the benefits of the BNS in bringing what it described as a “paradigm shift” in India’s justice delivery mechanism, particularly through increased reliance on scientific and forensic methods during criminal investigations.

The commission also instructed institutions to ensure that findings, case studies and academic analysis related to the new criminal framework become part of legal education and are incorporated into university teaching materials.

Why Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Matters

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita replaced the colonial-era Indian Penal Code (IPC) and officially came into force on July 1, 2024.

Introduced as India’s new criminal law framework, the BNS brought major changes in legal terminology, offence classifications, procedural understanding and evidence-based investigation practices.

A major focus of the law has been on strengthening the role of forensic science in criminal justice to improve transparency, evidence handling and prosecution quality.

Under the latest advisory, the UGC wants law students to understand not only the legal provisions under the BNS but also the broader transformation in how criminal justice is administered in India.

UGC Pushes for Case Studies on India’s Forensic Transition

The commission has further recommended that legal institutions document India’s transition towards forensic-based criminal investigation through case studies and include them as part of classroom teaching.

Law colleges have also been asked to ensure compliance with the recommendations and submit updates on implementation.

The recommendation stems from discussions held during the Director Generals and Inspector Generals of Police Conference 2025, conducted between November 28 and 30, 2025, where legal reforms and justice delivery mechanisms were among the key focus areas.