India's new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) has replaced the IPC, introducing community service as a penalty for minor crimes like theft under Rs 5,000. This marks a shift towards rehabilitative justice, offering offenders alternatives to fines or jail time. Despite its positive intent, the implementation faces challenges due to unclear monitoring guidelines. Experts emphasize the need for structured frameworks and specific tasks to ensure uniform application and effective community contribution, highlighting the reform's potential in blending justice with social welfare.
