GUWAHATI: Assam has secured the third spot among states across the country in the implementation of the new criminal laws, according to the latest assessment by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, marking two years since the legislations replaced the colonial-era legal framework.
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The state ranks behind Haryana and Goa, while Chandigarh and Punjab complete the list of the top five performers. The evaluation was carried out on the basis of administrative reforms, operational efficiency, adoption of information and communication technology (ICT), and integration of digital systems across the criminal justice system.
The three legislations—the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA)—came into effect on July 1, 2024, replacing the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), and Indian Evidence Act. The reforms aim to make India's criminal justice system faster, technology-driven, and more citizen-centric.
A key feature of the new framework is the Interoperable Criminal Justice System (ICJS) 2.0, which digitally links police, courts, prisons, forensic science laboratories, and prosecution agencies. So far, 23 states and Union Territories have been integrated with the upgraded platform.
According to the Home Ministry, implementation of the new laws has led to a noticeable improvement in investigation timelines. The percentage of charge sheets filed within the mandatory 90-day period increased from 39.56% in 2024 to 60.96% in 2026, while compliance with the 60-day deadline rose from 50.92% to 67.26%.
In sexual offence cases, the proportion of charge sheets filed within the prescribed two-month period increased from 44% in 2024 to 75.16% in 2025.
Since the new laws came into force, police across India have registered 74.66 lakh FIRs under the BNS, including 63,572 Zero FIRs. Investigating agencies have also generated 46.50 lakh digital evidence IDs through the e-Sakshya application to strengthen evidence management.
To further enhance forensic capabilities, the Centre has sanctioned eight additional Central Forensic Science Laboratories, taking the total number across the country to 15.
The Home Ministry also noted that while Haryana, Goa, Assam, Chandigarh and Punjab emerged as the best performers, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu have also made significant progress in implementing various provisions of the new criminal laws.