JusticeReforms – Haryana Leads National Ranking in Implementing India’s New Criminal Laws
JusticeReforms – Two years after India introduced its new criminal law framework, states and Union Territories are showing steady progress in adopting the system, with the latest government assessment highlighting major improvements across the country.
Haryana has secured the top position in the latest State/UT Nyaya Sanhita Ranking released by the Union government, reflecting its strong performance in implementing India’s new criminal law framework. Goa, Assam, Chandigarh and Punjab completed the top five positions in the nationwide assessment, which measures how effectively states and Union Territories have adopted the legal reforms introduced two years ago.
Strong Progress in National Implementation
According to officials from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, the latest evaluation covered 26 states and Union Territories and found that 23 of them performed above the national average in implementing the new legal framework. The report attributes the improvement to the rapid development of digital infrastructure supporting criminal investigations and judicial processes.
The overall national compliance score has increased significantly between November 2025 and June 2026, rising from 46.47 percent to 70.06 percent. Officials described this improvement as an important milestone in the nationwide transition to the new criminal justice system.
Operational Efficiency and Digital Systems Improve
The biggest gains were recorded in operational efficiency, the category carrying the highest weight in the overall assessment. Its score improved substantially during the review period, indicating better execution of investigations and case management practices.
Technology adoption also recorded notable growth. Wider use of digital policing platforms, electronic evidence management systems and the e-Sakshya platform contributed to higher ICT scores. Authorities said these digital tools are helping law enforcement agencies streamline investigations while improving transparency and accountability.
Administrative Reforms Strengthen Governance
The report also highlights progress in administrative reforms, including better institutional readiness, improved governance mechanisms and wider adoption of standard operating procedures across police departments and related agencies.
Coordination among police units, forensic laboratories, prosecution departments and courts has also improved. Officials believe stronger collaboration between these institutions is helping speed up the criminal justice process and ensuring more effective implementation of the new legal framework.
The Ministry expressed confidence that every state and Union Territory would complete full implementation of the reforms before the end of December 2026.
Faster Case Processing Across the Country
The data shows a substantial increase in criminal case registration and processing since the reforms came into force. The cumulative number of First Information Reports registered has grown more than four times between 2024 and 2026. Charge sheets filed during the same period have also increased sharply, indicating greater efficiency in handling criminal investigations.
Compliance with statutory investigation deadlines has improved as well. A larger share of charge sheets is now being submitted within both the 60-day and 90-day legal limits. The percentage of FIRs reaching courts has also risen, reflecting stronger coordination between investigating agencies and the judicial system.
Expansion of Technology-Based Policing
Technology-driven policing has witnessed considerable expansion under the new framework. Registrations of Zero FIRs have increased several times over, while coverage under the e-Sakshya digital evidence platform has more than doubled. The number of digital evidence identifiers issued through the Sakshya system has also grown rapidly, demonstrating wider acceptance of digital evidence management across the country.
The forensic infrastructure has expanded alongside these developments. Mobile forensic vehicles have increased significantly, while additional DNA forensic laboratories and cyber forensic laboratories have been established to strengthen scientific investigation capabilities.
Amit Shah Launches FCRA 2.0 Portal and e-OCI Card
On the same day, Union Home Minister Amit Shah introduced the FCRA 2.0 Portal and the e-OCI Card, describing both initiatives as citizen-focused digital services designed to simplify administrative processes while improving regulatory oversight.
Addressing the launch event, Shah said the new e-OCI Card would make services easier to access for more than five million Overseas Citizen of India cardholders. He added that the government continues to follow the principle of Minimum Government, Maximum Governance by using technology to deliver faster, more transparent and efficient public services.