LEGAL LITERACY FRAMEWORK FOR INDIAN COLLEGE STUDENTS: A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY OF INDIA'S NEW CRIMINAL LAWS (2024)

India’s recent transition to the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) represents one of the most significant criminal law reforms in the country’s modern history. Yet, many college students remain insufficiently informed about their legal rights and responsibilities. Existing awareness initiatives often lack coherence, cultural relevance, and practical orientation, leaving students with limited ability to apply legal knowledge in real-life situations. This study develops a legal literacy framework specifically designed for Indian college students. The model is built around three dimensions: Shakti (legal knowledge), Yukti (practical strategies), and Mukti (ethical grounding). Together, these elements aim to turn legal education from passive knowledge acquisition into a practical guide that students can apply in their everyday lives. The framework is grounded in statutory interpretation, secondary research, and analysis of institutional reports. It is designed for integration into orientation programs, campus safety initiatives, and policy interventions. By linking India’s new criminal laws with accessible, culturally aligned, and actionable guidance, this work seeks to address a pressing educational gap and to support efforts toward greater student empowerment and protection.