Chandigarh, 1 July (H.S.): The Chandigarh Police have recorded an impressive conviction rate of over 91% under new criminal laws implemented during their first year. Chandigarh is pioneering the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), which replaced outdated British-era laws on July 1. Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the initiative in December and Home Minister Amit Shah introduced digital platforms to modernize criminal justice in August.
Chandigarh SSP Kanwardeep Kaur highlighted the success, noting that 71 convictions were achieved from 78 cases under the BNS, with an average conviction time reduced significantly from 300 to 110 days. The police registered 3,154 FIRs, including 1,459 e-FIRs. A notable case saw two snatchers convicted within just 19 days of the crime, showcasing expedited legal processes.
The new laws leverage technology, enabling digital evidence collection through the e-Sakshya application, which provides cloud storage, geo-tagging, and prevents evidence tampering. Five crime teams and a standby team have been created for around-the-clock access to crime scenes, supported by the recruitment of forensic experts to conduct scientific analysis.
The deployment of QR codes on seized property ensures an effective chain of custody, with instant data access for courts. The integration of electronic evidence and forensic tools has enhanced police and prosecution capabilities, with extensive training provided through the iGOT Karamyogi portal.
A digital platform called Nyay Setu has been established for improved inter-agency coordination, offering integrated access to judicial data. However, experts suggest that the Ministry of Home Affairs should analyze gaps in the new system and consult stakeholders for necessary amendments to optimize the justice delivery process further.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar
