New Delhi: Relief from the hassle of repeated visits to police stations and tedious paperwork is on the horizon. The government has set a target to fully digitize the entire process—from filing an FIR to police investigation, evidence collection, and the submission of charge sheets in court—by January 1, 2027. According to Union Home Ministry sources, the digital infrastructure will be ready across all states by December 31 of this year. Elements such as police case diaries, witness statements, evidence, and charge sheets will all move entirely online.
Two Years of the Three New Criminal Laws
Today, July 1, 2026, marks the completion of two years since the implementation of the country’s three new criminal laws: the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA). Over these two years, Haryana has led the nation in adopting and successfully implementing these new regulations. Following Haryana in the top five states and Union Territories are Goa, Assam, Chandigarh, and Punjab. The national capital, Delhi, did not make it to the top-five list this time. A positive outcome is that this new system has resulted in a time saving of approximately 25%, with 23 out of the country’s 36 states and Union Territories performing better than the national average.
Technical Arrangements to be Completed by December 31
According to Home Ministry sources, the necessary technical arrangements for this system will be completed in all states by December 31 of this year. Following this, police diaries will become fully digital, and a paperless system will be implemented.
FIRs Can Be Filed at Any Police Station from Anywhere
The new system highlights the significant benefits of the ‘Zero FIR’ provision. Over the past two years, 63,572 Zero FIRs were registered nationwide, with approximately 13,000 cases involving other states. Under this rule, a victim can lodge a complaint at any police station in any state across the country. Subsequently, the FIR is transferred to the appropriate police station for investigation. Data obtained from sources within the Union Ministry of Home Affairs reveals that the rate of filing charge-sheets within the stipulated 90-day period stood at just 40% in 2024 but has since improved to 61%. Similarly, the rate of filing charge-sheets within two months for sexual offense cases has risen from 44% in 2018 to 75% in 2025.
Filing complaints made easy via e-FIR
According to the government, the digital transformations introduced under the new laws now allow people to easily register complaints through e-FIRs and digital channels. Furthermore, videography of the crime scene and seized evidence has been made mandatory to prevent any irregularities during the investigation. Electronic evidence—such as emails, mobile documents, and forensic reports—has now been granted full legal validity. Conducting court hearings via video conferencing is resulting in significant time savings and aiding in the speedy disposal of cases. Additionally, the use of e-summons and online case management systems is helping to reduce delays in legal proceedings.
The Ministry of Home Affairs believes that this comprehensive online system will make police operations more transparent and accountable. It will also facilitate easier tracking of files and documents, minimize delays in cases, and ensure timely justice for victims.
