Chandigarh, January 23, 2026:A review meeting was held today at the UT Secretariat, Chandigarh, under the chairmanship of Shri Praveen Kumar Rai, Joint Secretary (UT), Ministry of Home Affairs, to assess the progress of key initiatives of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), with a special focus on the implementation of the New Criminal Laws.

The meeting was attended by Shri Mandip Singh Brar, IAS, Home Secretary, Chandigarh Administration; Dr. Sagar Preet Hooda, IPS, Director General of Police, Chandigarh Police, along with senior officers from the Chandigarh Administration and Chandigarh Police.

At the outset, officers briefed the Chair on the progress achieved in operationalizing the New Criminal Laws, including the issuance of required notifications and guidelines. It was informed that Chandigarh has completed most of its mandated responsibilities within stipulated timelines, while certain rules are in the final stage of approval in consultation with the Hon’ble High Court, which forms a crucial component of the criminal justice system.

The Administration further informed that training and capacity building of all key stakeholders of the criminal justice system—Police, Prisons, Prosecutors, Forensic Experts and Judiciary—has been completed, ensuring institutional readiness for effective implementation of the new legal framework.

Updates were also presented on digital reforms, including platforms such as e-Sakshya, e-Summons, e-Prosecution, Nyay-Setu and Nyay-Shruti, along with electronic sharing of FIRs and charge sheets with courts. These initiatives are aimed at enabling faster, seamless and transparent criminal justice processes.

The meeting also reviewed advancements in the forensic ecosystem, including deployment of specially equipped forensic mobile vans, upgraded forensic technologies, and integration of digital platforms with the national criminal justice system. In addition, citizen-centric initiatives such as QR-based feedback systems, grievance redressal portals and SMS alert services have been introduced to enhance transparency and service delivery.

It was highlighted that Chandigarh has emerged as the first State/UT in the country to successfully implement the New Criminal Laws, supported by strong inter-departmental coordination among Police, Prosecution, Forensics, Prisons and Courts. The UT also reported an encouraging conviction rate of 89 percent under the new laws, reflecting positive early outcomes.

The meeting also deliberated upon certain areas requiring further coordination, including strengthening video-conferencing rules and improving digital connectivity between courts and prosecution agencies, with the objective of enhancing efficiency, accessibility and convenience.

Addressing the meeting, Shri Praveen Kumar Rai stated that the Central Government is committed to ensuring that no Union Territory lags behind in development, governance and public service delivery, with a continued emphasis on efficiency, transparency and citizen-centric administration.

The meeting concluded with directions to expedite pending matters, strengthen inter-departmental coordination, and sustain reform initiatives in alignment with the objectives of the Ministry of Home Affairs.