Chandigarh, December 23 – Additional Chief Secretary, Home Department, Dr. Sumita Misra today said that Haryana has achieved a remarkable 72% conviction rate under the new criminal laws—a figure three times higher than the 24% rate recorded under the old legal framework during the period between July 2024 and November 2025. Highlighting the performance, Dr. Misra stated that Haryana’s criminal justice system successfully disposed of over 81,000 cases during this 17-month period, with 77,504 cases resolved under old laws and the remainder 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 cases involving rape, offences under the POCSO Act 2012, and crimes against women. She added that all District Attorneys and Public Prosecutors not to seek adjournments in rape and POCSO cases in accordance with Section 346 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023. ACS Home has further directed that examination of victims and vulnerable witnesses must be prioritized and conducted before the examination of other formal witnesses of investigation.
“The new laws have brought greater precision in defining offences and procedures, enabling investigators and prosecutors to build stronger cases,” Dr. Misra added, attributing the improved rates to better legal clarity and enhanced coordination between investigating agencies and prosecution. Dr Misra also commended the working of Prosecution Department.
The data segregates acquittals into those based on merit versus hostile witnesses, providing transparency on investigation challenges. Courts also utilized legal mechanisms including discharge of accused, FIR quashing, compounding of offences, and case withdrawals to manage pendency efficiently.
Dr. Misra said that the government remains committed to improving investigation quality, witness protection, and prosecution standards. “The exceptional performance under new laws shows us the path forward for overall improvement while maintaining fair, evidence-based justice,” she stated.
Dr. Misra emphasized that the government remains committed to further improving investigation quality, witness protection mechanisms and prosecution standards to build on these positive trends. “The exceptional performance under 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 have been utilizing modern case management techniques and regular monitoring mechanisms to ensure that cases move efficiently through the system. With continued focus on training, technology adoption and inter-agency coordination, Haryana’s criminal justice system appears well-positioned to further enhance its performance in the coming months.
