Thousands of Indian lawyers took to the streets to protest against an overhaul in criminal legislation on Monday.

Lawyers in India have been expressing anger and criticism towards the news laws that came to effect on 1 July 2024 which gives police more authority to keep people in pre-trial detention and requires judges to issue written rulings within 45 days of end of a trial.

The Indian government defended the changes as 'victim-centric', adding that the changes would modernise the justice system and put an end to 'endless wait for justice'.

However, lawyers, opposition parties, and activists have called for a pause on the laws, saying the changes will give excessive powers to the police and put extra pressure on the justice system.

All District Courts Bar Associations of Delhi's spokesperson NC Sharma said that lawyers in seven district courts around New Delhi took part in the strike on Monday.

"Lawyers are protesting because the changes will create confusion," he added.