The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has ranked Assam first in India in implementing the new criminal laws that came into effect on 1 July 2024.

The MHA has officially released the ranking in performance on implementation of the new criminal law.

• Assam secured an overall implementation score of 72.3%, significantly higher than the national average of 44.96%.
• The new framework includes the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA).
• Chief Minister termed the achievement a landmark reform aimed at building a faster, fairer and more efficient justice delivery system.
• Assam Police’s Performance: 
  • Administrative reforms: 19.85%
  • Operational efficiency: 26.04%
  • Information and Communication Technology (ICT) applications: 16.14%
  • Investigations under new procedures: 10%
    

These indicators reflect Assam’s emphasis on police modernization, digital processes, and capacity-building to adapt to the revised legal framework.

Other Institutional and Legal Measures

• The Assam Police (Amendment) Bill 2025 aims to strengthen the Police Responsibility Commission and District Police Reform Authority.
• The reform package focuses on police accountability, citizen-centric policing, and technology-enabled investigation, aligning with national criminal justice reforms.
  

Performance of Other States

• Strong performers: Haryana (62.70%), Madhya Pradesh (54.15%), Tripura (56.03%), Sikkim (60.87%).
• Lowest ranked: Andhra Pradesh (16.70%) and West Bengal (20.71%).
  

Statement-Based MCQs

1. Consider the following statements regarding the implementation of the new criminal laws in India:

1. Assam ranked first in the country with an implementation score above 70%.
   
2. The national average of implementation is below 50%.
   
3. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita replaced the Evidence Act.
   

Which of the statements are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: A

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