In a significant milestone for judicial efficiency, the conviction rate in Assam has nearly doubled following the rollout of India’s three new criminal laws approximately 18 months ago. Senior officials confirmed on Wednesday that the state’s focus on forensic science and digital evidence has revolutionized the speed and success of criminal trials.
The Power of Scientific Evidence
Speaking at a press conference in Guwahati, Special Director General of Police Munna Prasad Gupta revealed that the conviction rate for cases filed under the new laws has crossed 50%. This is a stark contrast to the 25% conviction rate typically seen in cases registered under the older, colonial-era legal framework.
The Special DGP attributed this surge to several key factors:
- Mandatory Forensics: For any crime carrying a punishment of seven years or more, forensic experts must now visit the crime scene. This has significantly enhanced the quality of evidence presented in court.
- Mandatory Videography: Search and seizure operations are now recorded, drastically reducing the chances of witnesses turning hostile—a major hurdle in traditional trials.
- High-Tech Investigations: The use of technology, including e-summons and digital documentation, has streamlined the journey from FIR to verdict.
National Leader in Legal Reform
Assam’s aggressive implementation of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) has placed it at the top of the national leaderboard.
According to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Assam scored 81.20% on the implementation dashboard, far exceeding the national average of 57%.
Performance Highlights:
- FIRs Registered: Approximately 70,000 cases filed under the new laws.
- Completion Rate: Probes have been concluded in nearly 95% of these cases.
- Police Modernization: Union Home Minister Amit Shah recently flagged off 39 mobile forensic vans to further strengthen investigative capabilities across the state.
Public Awareness: The ‘Naveen Nyaya Sanhita’ Exhibition
To bridge the gap between legal reform and public understanding, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of Assam Police has organized a special exhibition titled ‘Naveen Nyaya Sanhita’ at the newly inaugurated Guwahati Police Commissioner’s office.
Inaugurated by Amit Shah, the exhibition will remain open until January 2, 2026. It aims to educate citizens on their rights and the procedural changes designed to deliver “citizen-centric justice.”