Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister and Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday highlighted a significant improvement in the state’s conviction rate, noting that it has risen from a mere 9 per cent in 2013 to 53 per cent today. Speaking at an event inaugurating an exhibition on the new criminal laws at Azad Maidan, Fadnavis said the newly implemented central criminal laws could potentially push the conviction rate even higher, up to 90 per cent.

The Chief Minister emphasized that the reforms, which include the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, replace the century-old Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, and Indian Evidence Act. These new laws are designed to provide time-bound justice for victims and streamline the prosecution of offenders by legally recognizing digital and electronic evidence.

“The Indian Penal Code, Criminal Procedure Code, and the Evidence Act, framed by the British more than a century ago, were not designed to deliver speedy justice,” Fadnavis said. “The new laws prioritize justice for victims and ensure strict punishment for offenders.”

One of the key provisions in the new laws allows FIRs to be registered at any police station across the state and facilitates e-FIRs. This aims to prevent offenders from evading justice by fleeing to other jurisdictions. Fadnavis stressed that such measures will not only improve efficiency but also strengthen the legal framework for tackling crime in the state.

The Chief Minister also highlighted Maharashtra’s achievements in tackling cybercrime. He noted that more than 60 girls were rescued from cases of cyberbullying through the state’s advanced cyber lab, which is among the most sophisticated in the country. Mobile forensic vans, he added, have further reduced case pendency and ensured transparent examination of evidence.

Fadnavis pointed out that the state government has undertaken several reforms to modernize and strengthen policing. Fourteen government resolutions have been issued to reform police procedures, update recruitment rules, and carry out major restructuring. Over 50,000 police posts have been filled in recent years, improving both the capacity and effectiveness of the law enforcement system.

The exhibition at Azad Maidan offered live demonstrations of the criminal justice process, from the filing of a complaint to conviction, allowing the public to understand how the new legal framework operates. Fadnavis instructed officials to organize similar exhibitions at divisional and district levels to increase public awareness and understanding of the criminal justice system.

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar also spoke at the event, highlighting how the new laws, particularly the provisions for digital and electronic evidence, would strengthen the ability of law enforcement to secure convictions and ensure strict punishment for offenders with “perverse and harmful mindsets.”

The Chief Minister’s remarks underscore the state government’s focus on modernizing the criminal justice system through legislative reform, enhanced policing infrastructure, and technology-driven interventions. By leveraging new laws and digital tools, Maharashtra aims to not only expedite trials but also deliver justice more effectively and protect victims of crime, ensuring stronger accountability for offenders.

Fadnavis’ comments indicate a broader push by the state to align legal processes with contemporary requirements, moving away from outdated procedures that had historically hindered swift and fair adjudication. With the combination of advanced cybercrime tools, enhanced police capacity, and the recognition of digital evidence, Maharashtra is positioning itself as a model for criminal justice reform in India.

The event marked a major step in public engagement, showcasing the government’s commitment to transparency and public understanding of law enforcement processes. By emphasizing the potential for the conviction rate to reach 90 per cent under the new laws, Fadnavis projected a vision of a more efficient, accountable, and victim-centric justice system for Maharashtra.