State-Level Exhibition Showcases India’s New Criminal Laws and Haryana’s Rising Conviction Rate
SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Institutions: Ministry of Home Affairs | Government of Haryana
Union Home Minister inaugurated a state-level exhibition on India’s new criminal laws in Kurukshetra, Haryana, alongside development projects worth ₹900 crore. He underscored that the laws-Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam-replace colonial-era codes and mark the “most significant reform of the 21st century.” Built on Citizen First, Dignity First, and Justice First, the framework interlinks the five pillars of criminal justice (police, jails, judiciary, prosecution, forensics) through digital systems.
Haryana’s conviction rate has doubled from 40% to over 80% under the new laws, with 71% charge-sheets filed within 60 days and 83% within 90 days. E-FIR and Zero FIR provisions now allow women to file complaints remotely, while forensic investigation is mandatory for crimes with 7+ years’ punishment. The laws also define terrorism, organized crime, and mob lynching for the first time and permit Trial in Absentia for absconding criminals. Nationally, the Home Ministry has trained 14.8 lakh police personnel, 42,000 jail officers, 19,000 court staff, and 11,000 prosecutors in the new framework.
These reforms reshape India’s justice delivery towards speed, data-driven policing, and victim protection. They align with Digital India and reinforce ease of justice, creating a replicable model for other states.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders:
Will the integration of digital tools and forensic mandates sustain higher conviction rates across states, or will disparities in capacity undermine nationwide outcomes?
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