Haryana Records 72% Conviction Rate Under New Criminal Laws, 81,000+ Cases Disposed in 17 Months

Chandigarh, Dec 24 : Haryana has achieved a significant 72 per cent conviction rate under the new criminal laws, nearly three times higher than the 24 per cent recorded under the previous legal framework, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Dr Sumita Misra said on Tuesday.

Sharing performance data for the period from July 2024 to November 2025, Dr Misra said that more than 81,000 criminal cases were disposed of during the 17-month period. Of these, 77,504 cases were related to offences registered under the old laws, while the remaining cases were tried under the new criminal statutes.

Highlighting systemic reforms, the ACS said comprehensive directions have been issued to the prosecution agency mandating day to day trials, with particular emphasis on rape cases, offences under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, and crimes against women.

She said all District Attorneys and Public Prosecutors have been instructed not to seek adjournments in rape and POCSO cases, in strict compliance with Section 346 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023.

Dr Misra further directed that the examination of victims and vulnerable witnesses should be prioritised and completed before other formal witnesses, to ensure timely and effective trials.

“The new criminal laws have brought greater clarity and precision in defining offences and procedures, enabling investigators and prosecutors to build stronger cases,” she said, attributing the improved conviction rates to enhanced legal frameworks and better coordination between investigating agencies and the prosecution. She also commended the performance of the Prosecution Department.

The data, she said, clearly segregates acquittals based on merit from those arising due to hostile witnesses, ensuring transparency in assessing investigation-related challenges. Courts have also effectively used legal provisions such as discharge of accused, quashing of FIRs, compounding of offences, and withdrawal of cases to manage pendency efficiently.

Emphasising the way forward, Dr Misra said the state government remains committed to improving investigation quality, strengthening witness protection mechanisms, and enhancing prosecution standards.

“The strong performance under the new laws shows us the path ahead. With continued reforms, we expect overall conviction rates to improve further while upholding the principles of fair and evidence-based justice,” she said.

She added that courts are increasingly adopting modern case management techniques and regular monitoring mechanisms to ensure faster disposal of cases. With sustained focus on training, technology adoption and inter-agency coordination, Haryana’s criminal justice system is well positioned to achieve even better outcomes in the coming months.