Assam has witnessed a significant rise in its conviction rate, jumping from 25% to 66% in just nine months. This remarkable improvement is attributed to the introduction of three new criminal laws. The laws, which replaced colonial-era statutes, have enhanced the efficiency of the criminal justice system. Technology And Forensic Support Drive Success The Assam Police’s Special Director General, Munna Prasad Gupta, attributes the success to technology. Investigations now require mandatory digital evidence, making it tamper-proof and convenient for court use. Moreover, videography during search and seizure operations has brought […]
Assam Achieves Major Legal Milestone With 66% Conviction Rate
Assam has witnessed a significant rise in its conviction rate, jumping from 25% to 66% in just nine months. This remarkable improvement is attributed to the introduction of three new criminal laws. The laws, which replaced colonial-era statutes, have enhanced the efficiency of the criminal justice system.
The Assam Police’s Special Director General, Munna Prasad Gupta, attributes the success to technology. Investigations now require mandatory digital evidence, making it tamper-proof and convenient for court use. Moreover, videography during search and seizure operations has brought transparency, reducing the chances of witnesses turning hostile during trials. The use of forensic experts at crime scenes has also contributed to better evidence quality.
The introduction of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) on July 1, 2024, marked a new era. These laws replaced the outdated Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, and Indian Evidence Act. Their emphasis on technology, transparency, and stricter timelines for charge-sheet filing has led to this surge in convictions.
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One of the notable improvements is in the charge-sheeting process. In 66% of cases, Assam Police have managed to file charge sheets within the required 60-90 days. This efficiency contrasts sharply with the delays under the previous system. The judiciary, empowered with stricter time limits, now faces fewer adjournments, speeding up the trial process.
The new laws are also focused on victims’ accessibility. Features like the ‘zero FIR’ allow complaints to be filed anywhere, regardless of the crime’s location. This ensures victims can seek justice more easily, no matter where the incident occurred.
The success of the new laws also lies in effective training. All investigating officers and constables received comprehensive training before the rollout. Ongoing refresher courses will ensure the standards are maintained. Additionally, the state government is recruiting more scientific experts and developing standard operating procedures to improve field investigations.
Despite the success, there is still room for improvement. Currently, 34% of cases result in acquittals. However, with more cases under the new laws proceeding to trial, authorities are optimistic about further improvement in the conviction rate.
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Union Home Minister Amit Shah recently acknowledged Assam’s progress under the new laws. He praised the state for meeting charge-sheeting deadlines and its overall adherence to the new criminal justice framework. During a review meeting in the Northeast, Shah also launched a book titled New Criminal Laws: Standard Operating Procedures and Rules, published by Assam Police’s Criminal Investigation Department.
Assam’s new criminal laws have shown promising results in a short period. With increased use of technology, stricter timelines, and a victim-centric approach, the state has significantly improved its conviction rate. While challenges remain, the progress is undeniable, and further refinements are expected to strengthen the criminal justice system in Assam.
