New Criminal Laws Will Guarantee Justice for Victims – Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis

CM inaugurates five-day exhibition on new criminal laws

Mumbai, Nov 2025 : The old British-era criminal laws did not recognize digital or electronic evidence. As a result, accused persons often destroyed evidence and escaped punishment, causing long delays in justice for victims. However, with the implementation of the new criminal laws introduced by the Central Government, victims are now assured of justice within a defined timeframe, said Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

The Chief Minister was speaking at the inauguration of a five-day exhibition on the new criminal laws at Azad Maidan. Present on the occasion were Assembly Speaker Adv. Rahul Narwekar, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, Minister for Skill, Employment, Entrepreneurship & Innovation Mangalprabhat Lodha, Chief Secretary Rajesh Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Iqbal Singh Chahal, and Director General of Police Rashmi Shukla.

CM Fadnavis said that the Indian Penal Code, CrPC, and Indian Evidence Act were originally drafted by the British to govern India, and they lacked mechanisms to ensure speedy justice for victims. These shortcomings have now been rectified through the new laws, which focus on delivering justice to victims while ensuring stringent punishment for offenders. A democratically elected government is a trustee of the people, and the new laws reflect this principle. These laws prioritise justice over punishment.

He stated that Maharashtra’s conviction rate, which was just 9% in 2013, has now risen to 53%. Through the implementation of the new laws, this rate can definitely reach 90%. The state government has introduced several reforms in the police force through 14 Government Resolutions. Recruitment rules and organizational structure have been modernized, and a police force capable of handling new challenges is being developed. Over 50,000 positions have been filled in recent years. Maharashtra’s police force is already ranked number one in the country, and efforts are underway to make it one of the best in the world.

Addressing the growing challenge of cybercrime, the Chief Minister said that Maharashtra has the best cyber laboratory in the country. In recent days, over 60 girls have been rescued from cyber-bullying. Evidence is now verified transparently through mobile forensic vans. New technologies have reduced the pendency of samples in forensic labs. The new laws also allow FIRs to be registered at any police station, making it impossible for criminals to escape by fleeing to another state. Citizens can now also file e-FIRs.

The exhibition demonstrates, through live models, the process from filing an FIR to the conviction of an accused. The Chief Minister instructed that similar exhibitions should later be held at revenue department offices and at the district level.

In her introductory remarks, DGP Rashmi Shukla explained the purpose behind organising the exhibition. She informed that the exhibition would remain open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM until November 23, 2025. Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Iqbal Singh Chahal provided detailed information about the exhibition and the new laws. The event was compered by Mrunmayee Bhajjak, and Special IG Manoj Kumar Sharma proposed the vote of thanks.

New Criminal Laws Empower the State to Strictly Punish Deviant Mindsets – Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said that the new criminal laws enable the use of modern technology to securely preserve evidence and ensure criminals are brought to justice. Their implementation has strengthened the system’s ability to deliver strict punishment to individuals with deviant or criminal tendencies.

He added that the new laws include various provisions to support dynamic and transparent justice delivery. Digital and electronic evidence can now be fully relied upon for conviction. The laws also contain important provisions related to the safety of women and children, and are aligned with the constitutional principles of liberty, equality, and justice. The usefulness of any law depends on its implementation, and this exhibition offers citizens an opportunity to understand these laws. He urged people to visit the exhibition in large numbers.

The exhibition, inaugurated by CM Fadnavis, features demonstrations across several sections including the Central Control Room, Directorate of Forensic Science Laboratories, Forensic Medicine & Toxicology Department, Police Station, Prosecution Directorate, City Civil & Sessions Court, High Court, and Central Prison — showcasing how the new criminal laws function in practice.