-Legal reform matters only when put into practice. Haryana’s top-ranked result reflects sustained investment in capacity building.
Chandigarh : Haryana has emerged as the first-ranked state in the country in implementing the three new criminal laws, securing an implementation score of 95.21 out of 100. The result reflects sustained efforts to modernise policing through technology, scientific investigation and capacity building.
Sharing the details, Director General of Police (DGP) Sh. Ajay Singhal said, “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Sh, Narendra Modi at the centre and CM Sh. Nayab Saini in Haryana, the implementation of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) marks a historic transformation in the justice system. The Haryana Police remains committed to strengthening professional competence, technological capability and citizen-centric policing to ensure effective implementation of the new criminal laws across the state.
“These laws are not merely a replacement of colonial statutes; they represent a shift towards a modern, technology-driven and citizen-centric criminal justice system. Haryana’s top ranking is the result of meticulous planning, intensive training and the commitment of every police officer,” the DGP said.
He informed that the state’s implementation strategy focused on four key areas—administrative reforms, operational efficiency, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) integration and interoperability across the Integrated Criminal Justice System (ICJS). Every Investigating Officer has been trained under the new legal framework and equipped with the IO Mobile Application, while mobile forensic units, e-Sakshya, electronic summons, digital case management and video conferencing have strengthened investigations and court processes.
He further said that mandatory forensic investigation in serious offences, wider admissibility of electronic evidence, Zero FIR, e-FIR, witness protection and video-link testimony have made the criminal justice system more scientific, accessible and citizen-friendly. Mobile forensic teams now reach crime scenes promptly to preserve DNA, fingerprints and digital evidence, strengthening prosecution and improving conviction rates.
Sharing about the transition to the new laws, DGP Sh. Singhal said the change required one of the largest capacity-building exercises undertaken by the police force. “Investigating Officers had to move beyond decades-old procedures and quickly master a new legal framework. Their dedication and adaptability made this transformation possible,” he said.
Highlighting the measurable impact of technology, Sh. Singhal said an independent assessment found that Haryana’s digital initiatives generated savings of more than Rs 26 crore within six months. “The e-Summons system alone has saved thousands of reams of paper, lakhs of litres of water and around 27 lakh litres of fuel. Video conferencing has further reduced travel expenditure and enabled police personnel to devote more time to investigation and public service instead of routine court appearances,” he added.
The DGP said that digital infrastructure is also paving the way for the future use of Artificial Intelligence in policing. “AI-enabled analysis of CCTV footage, fingerprint matching through NAFIS, automated transcription of witness statements and predictive monitoring of investigations will enhance efficiency, accuracy and accountability,” he said.
Referring to the benefits of the new legal framework, the DGP said the BNSS introduces time-bound investigations and trials, reduces unnecessary adjournments and strengthens accountability through statutory timelines. Digital evidence management through e-Sakshya ensures time-stamped, geo-tagged documentation, enhancing transparency and preserving evidence integrity.
“The new criminal laws have equipped us with better legal and technological tools, but their true success depends on how effectively every stakeholder—police, prosecution, forensic experts, judiciary and citizens—works together. Our objective is to deliver justice that is faster, transparent, evidence-based and inspires public confidence,” Sh. Ajay Singhal added.