As India celebrates Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, the nation continues its transformational journey toward a more transparent, efficient, and citizen-centric justice system. In this spirit of reform and renewal, the Ministry of Home Affairs has introduced new criminal laws designed to expedite the judicial process, enhance accountability, and ensure timely justice delivery for every citizen—especially women and children.
These reforms represent a major leap forward in modernizing India’s criminal justice architecture, bringing digital integration, structural streamlining, and strict timelines to processes that have long suffered from delays.
Faster and Fair Resolution of Cases
One of the hallmark features of the new criminal laws is the introduction of time-bound stages across investigation, trial, and judgment. This is a historic move aimed at eliminating procedural delays and improving public confidence in the legal system.
Key stages now carry strict timelines:
- Preliminary enquiry must be completed within 14 days.
- Further investigation is capped at 90 days.
- Documents for victims and accused must be supplied within 14 days.
- Commitment of cases for trial must occur within 90 days.
- Discharge applications must be filed within 60 days.
- Framing of charges is also to be completed within 60 days.
- Pronouncement of judgment by courts must occur within 45 days.
- Mercy petitions must be filed 30 days before the Governor and 60 days before the President.
These mandated timelines create an accountable structure that significantly reduces scope for procedural delays.
Prioritizing Cases Involving Women and Children
Recognizing the urgency of crimes against women and children, the new laws treat these cases as top priority. Investigations must be completed within two months from the date of recording information, ensuring faster justice for the most vulnerable sections of society.
Limiting Adjournments to Prevent Delays
A major contributor to the slow pace of court proceedings has been frequent adjournments. The new laws cap adjournments to a maximum of two, except in extraordinary circumstances. This step will help courts maintain momentum and discourage unnecessary delays, ensuring that hearings progress without interruption.
Digital Transformation: e-Summons, e-Sakshya & Nyaya-Shruti (VC)
To complement legislative reforms, the government has introduced powerful digital tools to modernize procedures:
- e-Summons enables the digital delivery of summons, preventing delays caused by manual service.
- e-Sakshya ensures scientific, secure, and tamper-proof electronic submission of digital evidence—enhancing accuracy and transparency.
- Nyaya-Shruti (VC) facilitates virtual appearances for witnesses, police officials, experts, prosecutors, and even accused individuals. This technology saves time, cuts logistical delays, and improves safety and accessibility.
Together, these tools mark a new era of digital justice in India.
Rising Use of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)
From 1 July 2024 to 30 November 2025, over 51 lakh cases (51,32,017) were registered across states and Union Territories under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. This reflects both the wide adoption of the new legal framework and its growing role in India’s justice delivery system.
States with the highest registrations include:
- Uttar Pradesh: 6,79,711 cases
- Maharashtra: 5,27,971 cases
- Kerala: 4,80,231 cases
- Madhya Pradesh: 4,31,856 cases
These numbers demonstrate active implementation and the system’s readiness to operate under the new laws.
As India strengthens its legal and judicial institutions under Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, the new criminal laws mark a transformative step toward a faster, fairer, and more technologically empowered justice system. By embracing accountability, digital innovation, and citizen-centric timelines, the nation moves closer to ensuring timely justice for all—a cornerstone of a truly developed Bharat.