The judicial landscape in Pune has shown a positive shift, with conviction rates in both Sessions Courts and Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) courts registering an upward trend in the year 2025. While the total number of cases disposed saw variation, the key metrics of conviction numbers and percentages improved significantly compared to the previous year, indicating a more effective judicial process.
Sessions Courts See Notable Improvement
Data from the Sessions Courts reveals a clear pattern of improvement. In 2025, these courts disposed of a total of 351 cases. This figure sits between the 334 cases in 2024 and the 370 cases handled in 2023. The more critical statistic, however, is the number of convictions, which rose to 66 in 2025.
This marks a substantial increase from the 41 convictions secured in 2024 and is also slightly higher than the 65 convictions recorded in 2023. Consequently, the conviction percentage for Sessions Courts climbed to 19% in 2025. This is a significant rise from 12% in 2024 and is also marginally better than the 18% rate seen in 2023.
JMFC Courts Demonstrate Steady Growth
The performance of JMFC courts tells an even more compelling story of progress. Although the total number of cases disposed in 2025 was 1,812—a figure lower than the 5,422 in 2023 but higher than the 1,635 in 2024—the conviction trajectory is impressively consistent.
Convictions in JMFC courts have risen steadily over the three-year period:
- 287 convictions in 2023
- 553 convictions in 2024
- 689 convictions in 2025
This growth is reflected dramatically in the conviction rate. It jumped from a mere 5% in 2023 to 34% in 2024, and further improved to a robust 38% in 2025.
Police Drive for 50% Conviction in Serious Crimes
Commenting on these trends and outlining the road ahead, Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar connected the improving numbers to strategic initiatives. He stated that the primary objective is to increase the conviction rate in serious crimes.
Commissioner Kumar highlighted the nationwide implementation of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the new criminal law, as a key development. Extensive training on the BNS and the effective use of the e-Sakshya app for digital evidence has been initiated for police personnel.
"In serious crimes where punishment of more than 7 years is prescribed, a forensic science laboratory van is immediately sent to the spot after the offence. Circumstantial evidence is collected by experts," Kumar explained. He emphasized that concerted efforts are being made to prove serious crimes in court through scientific and circumstantial evidence, moving beyond mere reliance on eyewitness accounts.
These steps, according to the Police Commissioner, are part of a targeted plan to boost the conviction rate in serious offences, with an ambitious goal of raising it to 50% in the coming year.
