How Haryana leads the way in implementing new criminal laws

Indian Express

12 hours ago

Written by Dr Sumita Misra
India has a long and proud tradition of justice delivery, with roots stretching back to ancient epics and empires. From the legal frameworks outlined in the Mahabharata to the administrative systems of the Mauryan period, the Indian ethos has long been built around fairness, order, and the protection of rights. Today, as India undertakes one of its most significant legal overhauls since independence, Haryana—land of the Mahabharata—has once again taken the lead in shaping the next chapter of Indian jurisprudence.
With the nationwide enforcement of three transformative criminal laws—the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA)—from July 1, 2024, Haryana has emerged as the national frontrunner in comprehensive, on-ground implementation. These laws replace the colonial-era Indian Penal Code (IPC), Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), and Indian Evidence Act, ushering in a justice system that is not only modern and egalitarian but also steeped in Bharatiya values.
Under the decisive leadership of Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, Haryana began early and acted decisively. A full-fledged transition plan was developed across all districts, combining administrative foresight with technological readiness. The state's proactive approach included:
– Massive training programmes for police, prosecutors, and judicial officers
– Workshops at the district level in partnership with academic institutions
– Deployment of eSign tools, Aadhaar-authenticated workflows, and real-time crime documentation systems
This robust preparedness ensured that Haryana was not just compliant with the new laws but ready to operationalize them in spirit and substance.
The new criminal laws are designed to enable speedy, scientific, and tech-enabled justice delivery. Haryana has translated these principles into action through multiple pioneering initiatives:
– Mandatory day-to-day hearings under Section 346 of BNSS
– Introduction of 'block dates' to minimize adjournments in serious cases
– Auto-FIR registration in vehicle thefts and Aadhaar-verified witness statements
– Widespread use of video conferencing, with over 78% of undertrial peshis (court appearances) now held virtually
– Creation of 2,117 designated spaces across districts for witness examination via electronic means—including government offices, banks, and special rooms for women and vulnerable witnesses
Such measures have not only improved efficiency but also enhanced access to justice—especially for victims, witnesses, and marginalized groups.
Haryana has also led the way in forensic and medico-legal modernization:
– MedLEaPR (Medical Legal Examination and Post Mortem Reporting) has been used statewide for over a decade and is now being emulated by other states. Integrated with CCTNS, it ensures electronic submission of medico-legal reports within seven days, enabling over 90% of cases to be resolved within a week.
– The TraKea Forensic Case Management System, now fully operational, streamlines evidence handling and ensures accountability and transparency in forensics.
At the heart of this new legal regime is a commitment to victim-centric justice. Haryana's Witness Protection Scheme, 2025, notified in February this year, offers a graded protection system based on real-time threat perception:
– Categorization of witnesses into A, B, and C levels
– Measures such as no face-to-face encounters with the accused, relocation, identity changes, and monitoring of communications
This framework ensures that victims and witnesses are shielded from intimidation and can participate in the legal process without fear.
Haryana has prioritized gender-sensitive justice through:
– Fast Track Special Courts under the POCSO Act in Gurugram, Faridabad, and Panchkula
– Specialized police training and outreach campaigns to support victims
– Aggressive monitoring under the Chinhit Apradh initiative, under which 1,683 heinous crimes have been fast-tracked
Conviction rates have climbed in response, with some districts like Faridabad, Dabwali, and Karnal recording over 95% conviction in Chinhit Apradh cases.
As of April 30, 2025, 1,764 cases have been decided under the BNS, with a conviction rate of 77.15%. From July 1, 2024, to May 31, 2025, 2,038 cases were completed, resulting in 1,540 convictions. Districts like Kurukshetra (75%), Sirsa (78.57%), and Rewari (85%) are also setting benchmarks.
The BNS and BNSS have introduced crucial timelines, including time-bound framing of charges, addressing the long-standing issue of delayed trials. This is already showing visible results. A rape and murder trial of a minor girl concluded in 140 days in Yamunanagar, resulting in a death sentence—with the victim's father publicly thanking the justice system for swift redress
New powers, new accountability
Under Section 356 of the BNSS, courts can now conduct trials in absentia, allowing them to proceed against proclaimed offenders. Haryana has already identified 193 such cases, and four have been tried under the new provision. The Directorate of Prosecution, now statutorily empowered to monitor these cases under Section 20(7) of BNSS, ensures rigorous oversight.
Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and through Haryana's on-ground execution, India's legal system is undergoing a transformation that is transparent, time-bound, and tech-forward. With its deep commitment to victim rights, judicial efficiency, and digital innovation, Haryana is not only implementing the BNS-BNSS-BSA triad effectively but is also providing a blueprint for other states.
As the nation marches towards Viksit Bharat 2047, Haryana's journey stands as a testament to what visionary governance and resolute execution can achieve. In this new era of justice, the state's leadership ensures that laws are not just written on paper but come alive in courtrooms, police stations, and citizens' lives—delivering the Nyaya India has long awaited.
(The author is Additional Chief Secretary, Home, Jails, Criminal Investigation & Administration of Justice Departments, Government of Haryana)