Two Years After Overhaul, Haryana, Goa Lead States In Implementing New Criminal Laws

Last Updated:June 30, 2026, 15:26 IST

Officials said 23 of the 26 states and UTs assessed have been ranked above average in implementation, with some north-eastern states facing challenges due to connectivity issues

Two years after the new criminal law regime came into force, Haryana, Goa, Assam, Chandigarh and Punjab have emerged as the top-performing states and Union Territories in implementing the new legal framework.

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) came into effect in July 2024. Two years later, Haryana, Goa, Chandigarh, Assam and Punjab have successfully put in place the digital infrastructure required for investigation and trial under the new laws.

Officials said 23 of the 26 states and Union Territories assessed have been ranked above average in implementation, with some north-eastern states facing challenges due to connectivity-related issues. “What is on display is the best example of competitive federalism. States are competing against each other to achieve the targets set out under the new regime," an MHA officer said.

Officials also said opposition-ruled states such as West Bengal [before the new BJP government took over] and Tamil Nadu have made significant progress in implementing the new legal regime, despite having opposed the laws during 2023-24.

“Presidency Jail in West Bengal, one of the oldest prisons in the country, has also set up video conferencing facilities as mandated under the new criminal laws. Thirteen video conferencing cubicles are currently operational, and prisoners are regularly appearing for trial through them," a senior NCRB officer said when asked whether West Bengal had started cooperating.

Infrastructure Push

One of the key requirements under the new laws is strengthening forensic investigation.

According to MHA data, the number of forensic laboratories increased to 154 in 2025 from 129 in 2023. Around 700 mobile forensic vans have also been deployed across the country, compared to just 50 in 2024. Officials said the target is to have at least one mobile forensic van in every police district.

Quest for Speedy Justice

The new laws prescribe timelines for the adjudication process. A 90-day timeline for filing charge sheets and a three-year timeline for completion of trial and appeal have now been codified.

Official data shows that while only 39.56 per cent of cases saw charge sheets filed within 90 days in 2024, the figure has risen to 60.95 per cent in 2026—an increase of more than 20 percentage points.

In nearly 250 cases, trials have been completed within the stipulated time. Appeals, however, continue to fall short of the three-year timeline, officials said. To speed up trials and strengthen witness protection, video conferencing infrastructure has also been expanded.

Over the past two years, 2,463 video conferencing cubicles have been established in prisons, 14,674 in courts and 52,605 in banks. “This improves speed, reduces duplication and is mandated under Section 530 of the BNSS," an MHA officer said.

Officials added that the infrastructure push has also helped reduce case pendency. While 464,879 cases were pending in 2023, the number declined to 390,786 in 2025.

About the Author

Arunima

Arunima is Editor (Home Affairs) and covers strategic, security and political affairs. From the Ukraine-Russia War to the India-China stand-off in Ladakh to India-Pak clashes, she has reported from gr...Read More

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