Rajasthan’s conviction rate up 18% after implementation of new laws, says Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday said the conviction rate in Rajasthan, which was earlier 42%, had increased to 60% after the new criminal laws came into effect. Mr. Shah was inaugurating an exhibition marking the first anniversary of the new laws on criminal prosecution and evidence at the Jaipur Exhibition and Convention Centre here.

“Once the implementation is complete, the conviction rate will rise to 90%,” he said, adding that the chargesheets are being filed on time in majority of the cases.

Mr. Shah said the three laws would bring “ease of justice” with the reforms in the criminal justice system and a shift in focus away from the punitive approach.

He pointed out that the old laws of the colonial era had deprived the people of the right to speedy justice. “Through the new pieces of legislation, our criminal justice system will be driven by justice and transparency rather than punishment,” Mr. Shah said while addressing the gathering.

“These laws will prove to be the biggest overhaul of criminal justice system in the 21st century… After 2027, they will ensure that the first information reports are resolved upto the level of the Supreme Court within three years,” Mr. Shah said. The provisions on terrorism, mob lynching and digital crimes would help deal with these offences effectively, he added.

The exhibition, which will continue till October 18, has been organised by Rajasthan police. The new laws – Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam – came into effect on July 1, 2024, replacing the earlier laws defining the crimes and laying down the procedure for trial.

Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma and acting Chief Justice of Rajasthan High Court Sanjeev Prakash Sharma were also present.

Mr. Shah also inaugurated investment proposals worth ₹4 lakh crore, for which the memorandums of understanding were signed during the Rising Rajasthan Investment Summit here last year. He released subsidies for school uniform and cattle rearing, and launched an official portal for registration in the 150-unit monthly free electricity scheme.