'Several provisions are retrograde': P Chidambaram on three new criminal laws

In an exclusive interview with India Today's Consulting Editor Rajdeep Sardesai, veteran Congress leader and senior advocate P Chidambaram spoke about the three new criminal laws -- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam -- that came into effect across the country on Monday. 

"There are several provisions which are retrograde. For example, the opportunity should have been taken to improve the laws, to bring it in line with modern criminal jurisprudence. Now, I can't call the present provision unconstitutional. But to continue with death penalty, to continue with adultery as a crime, to continue with sedition as a crime, all this is completely retrograde," Chidambaram said.