The new criminal laws aim at a 'digital-first' justice system. Examine their potential and the implementation challenges.

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) have been in force since July 2024. They rebuild criminal procedure around technology, forensic investigation and digital-first processes. India presented these features at the 15th UN Crime Congress, Abu Dhabi (2026) [1]. The laws can transform justice delivery, but only if institutional capacity keeps pace with them.

Potential of a digital-first system

• Citizen access: e-FIR, Zero FIR and electronic summons mean fewer trips to police stations and courts.
• Scientific evidence: forensic investigation is mandatory for offences punishable with 7 years or more [2]. Videography of search and seizure makes tampering harder to allege.
• Digital and biometric proof: the BSA recognises electronic records as documents. Magistrates can order the collection of finger impressions and voice samples [3].
• Cyber-fraud response: the I4C system freezes mule accounts [1]. Its CFCFRMS has saved over ₹7,130 crore across 23.02 lakh complaints [4].
• Integrated platforms: the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs urged linking forensic labs with investigation and prosecution through secure digital platforms [5].

Implementation challenges

• Forensic bottleneck: the government expects a significant rise in lab workload [2]. Only 7 CFSLs are operational and 8 more are still proposals [5]. Late lab reports would stall trials.
• Police capacity: about 21% of police posts were vacant [3]. Fewer officers must now carry extra digital and forensic steps.
• Undertrial burden: about 77% of prisoners are undertrials [3]. The BNSS tightens bail for accused with several pending cases [3], so gains from technology may not reach personal liberty.
• Awareness and digital divide: money can be frozen only if victims report quickly through the 1930 helpline [4]. Late or unaware victims, often those with low digital literacy, lose out.

In short, the new laws modernise procedure, but their digital-first promise depends on labs, staff and awareness. The way forward is to open CFSLs on a fixed timeline under the NFIES [2], fill police vacancies, build a dedicated forensic cadre [5] and run cyber-safety awareness campaigns. Done well, technology can deliver the speedy trial guaranteed under Article 21 and advance SDG 16's goal of accessible justice for all.