In 2025, Assam became the first State to implement the new criminal law framework — the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA).
According to assessments by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Assam ranked first among all states in implementation, scoring 78.13%, compared to the national average of 53.69%.
Key details:
Assam has reported a significant rise in conviction rates after the implementation of India’s new criminal laws (Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam), which replaced the IPC, CrPC, and Evidence Act in 2024.
According to the state government, the conviction rate has roughly doubled compared to earlier figures under the old laws.
Authorities credit the improvement to:
- Greater use of forensic evidence (now mandatory for certain serious crimes)
- Technology-driven investigations such as digital documentation and e-summons
- Faster investigation timelines and filing of charge sheets
- Better coordination between police and prosecution.
The Assam Chief Minister highlighted the reforms as helping deliver quicker justice and stronger prosecution outcomes.
However, some legal experts cautioned that the data is still from an early implementation phase, so long-term trends will need more time to evaluate.
