Haryana has registered a dramatic surge in its conviction rate for criminal cases following the implementation of new legal statutes, according to a senior state official. The data reveals a justice system undergoing significant transformation.
Tripling of Conviction Rate Marks Legal Milestone
Sumita Misra, the Additional Chief Secretary for Home, announced on Tuesday that Haryana has achieved an impressive 72% conviction rate under the newly enacted criminal laws. This figure represents a threefold increase compared to the 24% rate recorded under the previous legal framework. The comparative analysis covers the period from July 2024 to November 2025.
Detailing the operational achievements, Misra stated that the state's criminal justice system successfully disposed of more than 81,000 cases during these 17 months. Of this total, 77,504 cases were resolved under the old laws, with the remaining cases adjudicated under the new provisions.
Strategic Directives for Expedited Justice
The official informed that comprehensive directions have been issued to the prosecution agency to prioritize urgent, day-to-day conduct of criminal trials. A special focus has been mandated for cases involving rape, offences under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, and crimes against women.
In a significant move to prevent delays, all district attorneys and public prosecutors have been instructed not to seek adjournments in rape and POCSO cases. This directive is in strict accordance with Section 346 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023.
Further, the ACS directed concerned officials to prioritize the examination of victims and vulnerable witnesses, ensuring their testimony is recorded before other formal witnesses of the investigation. This procedural change aims to reduce trauma and improve the quality of evidence.
Attribution for Success and Systemic Improvements
Sumita Misra attributed the improved conviction rates to greater legal clarity and enhanced coordination. "The new laws have brought greater precision in defining offences and procedures, enabling investigators and prosecutors to build stronger cases," she said.
She also commended the prosecution department's work. The state government has implemented transparent data segregation, distinguishing acquittals based on merit from those resulting from hostile witnesses. This provides clear insight into investigation challenges.
To manage case pendency efficiently, courts have utilized various legal mechanisms, including the discharge of accused persons, quashing of FIRs, compounding of offences, and case withdrawals. The government remains committed to improving investigation quality, witness protection mechanisms, and prosecution standards.
"The exceptional performance under new laws shows us the path forward for overall improvement while maintaining fair, evidence-based justice," Sumita Misra emphasized. She added that courts are employing modern case management techniques and regular monitoring to ensure cases move swiftly through the system.
With a continued focus on training, technology adoption, and inter-agency coordination, Haryana's criminal justice system is poised to build on this positive trend and enhance its performance in the coming months.
