Additional Chief Secretary, Home Department, Dr Sumita Misra, on Tuesday said that Haryana has achieved a remarkable 72 per cent conviction rate under the new criminal laws, nearly three times higher than the 24 per cent conviction rate recorded under the previous legal framework during the period from July 2024 to November 2025.
Highlighting the performance of the criminal justice system, Dr Misra stated that over 81,000 cases were disposed of during this 17-month period, of which 77,504 cases pertained to the old laws, while the remaining were tried under the new criminal laws.
Dr Misra informed that comprehensive directions have been issued to the prosecution agency, emphasizing the urgent need to conduct criminal trials on a day-to-day basis, with special focus on rape cases, offences under the POCSO Act, 2012, and crimes against women.
She added that all District Attorneys and Public Prosecutors have been instructed not to seek adjournments in rape and POCSO cases, in accordance with Section 346 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023.
The ACS further directed that the examination of victims and vulnerable witnesses must be prioritized and conducted before the examination of other formal witnesses involved in the investigation.
“The new laws have brought greater precision in defining offences and procedures, enabling investigators and prosecutors to build stronger cases,” Dr Misra said, attributing the improved conviction rates to enhanced legal clarity and better coordination between investigating agencies and the prosecution. She also commended the performance of the Prosecution Department.
The data further segregates acquittals into those based on merit and those resulting from hostile witnesses, ensuring transparency regarding investigation-related challenges. Courts have also effectively utilized legal mechanisms such as discharge of accused, quashing of FIRs, compounding of offences, and withdrawal of cases to manage pendency efficiently.
Dr Misra emphasized that the government remains committed to improving investigation quality, strengthening witness protection mechanisms, and enhancing prosecution standards. “The exceptional performance under the new laws shows us the path forward. As we continue to strengthen our systems, we expect overall conviction rates to improve while maintaining our commitment to fair and evidence-based justice,” she stated.
She added that courts are increasingly adopting modern case management techniques and regular monitoring mechanisms to ensure the expeditious movement of cases. With continued focus on training, technology adoption, and inter-agency coordination, Haryana’s criminal justice system is well-positioned to further enhance its performance in the coming months.