This week, YouTube creator and Newslaundry’s former associate editor Meghnad is the host, joined by Newslaundry’s Raman Kirpal and Anand Vardhan, Supreme court advocate Vrinda Grover, and journalist Aditi Phadnis.

On the three criminal laws that came into effect this month – Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam – Vrinda says the BNS that replaces the Indian Penal Code will reduce argumentative Indians into mute spectators. “In many ways, they are a pre-Diwali bonanza for the police as their arbitrary discretions have been further enhanced and given statutory recognition.”

Raman says a lot of chaos is likely to ensue in the Indian judiciary, “especially for the police custody for ‘rajdroh (sedition)’ and ‘deshdroh (treason)’.” Meghnad talks about the first person, a Delhi street vendor, to be booked under the BNS.

On the ongoing Lok Sabha session, Anand says, “The political theatrics reflect the changing nature of engagement between parliamentarians and their audience… live coverage tweet-by-tweet has made them appeal to the larger Twitterati for virality.” Aditi says these theatrics have landed the BJP in power.

This and more, tune in!

Hafta letters: Delhi, Khalistan, competitive exams