The CLA’s Full Form in Law is the Criminal Law Amendment Act. A CLA (Criminal Law Amendment Act) is a change made to an already existing criminal code by legislation. It may create brand-new crimes, reclassify the preexisting ones, change punishments, or implement brand-new protocols for managing criminal cases.
Why CLA?
The government established the J.S. Verma-led Committee to study the legislation pertaining to sexual offenses and provide suggestions for strengthening the existing system. The Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013, which was ratified by the President on April 2, 2013, was founded by the Committee. The Indian Penal Code 1860, the Evidence Act (EA) 1860, the Code of Criminal Procedure (CCP) 1973, and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses Act, 2012 are the four laws that are amended by this act.
CLAs are there for a variety of reasons. Advancements in technology and society could make crime easier. CLAs were necessary because of the internet to combat child sexual exploitation, online abuse, and hacking. CLAs may raise the bar for crimes, penalties, or investigative power. Hate crimes based on sexual orientation and gender identity could be created by an amendment. Legislation may be prompted by public anger over an assault or series of crimes. A CLA may increase DUI penalties in response to an increase in DUI-related deaths.