Assam is taking significant strides to bolster the efficiency of its investigation and prosecution processes, spearheaded by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's vision for a stronger and more effective justice system. Recent developments, including the establishment of a dedicated Directorate of Prosecution and a focus on improving the state's conviction rate, signal a determined effort to enhance law and order in the region.
Chief Minister Sarma recently led a conference of police superintendents in Dergaon, where discussions centered on improving law and order, police reforms, and investigation improvements. A key announcement stemming from this conference was an initiative designed to boost prosecution efficiency, underscoring the government's commitment to streamlining the legal process.
A major step in this direction was the establishment of a Directorate of Prosecution. In March 2025, the Assam government appointed Makhan Phukan as the first Director of Prosecution for a temporary period of four months. Alongside this appointment, Dhanesh Das, Santanu Bhattacharyya, and Manash Haloi were named as Deputy Directors of Prosecution. CM Sarma has emphasized that this directorate will function as the controlling authority for all administrative tasks related to prosecution. The creation of this directorate signifies a commitment to providing dedicated support to law enforcement and the judiciary, fostering a more impartial and efficient justice delivery mechanism.
The establishment of the Directorate of Prosecution aligns with the Assam government's broader goal of improving the state's conviction rate. When Chief Minister Sarma took office as Home Minister, the conviction rate in Assam was a mere 5%. By December 2024, this figure had risen to 23%. Sarma has expressed optimism that Assam will soon reach a 30% conviction rate and ultimately match the national average of over 50% within the next two to three years.
In addition to the Directorate of Prosecution, plans are underway to establish specialized courts to handle specific types of cases. A dedicated commercial court is planned for Guwahati to address the increasing number of commercial disputes resulting from the state's economic growth. Similarly, a specialized NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) court is being considered to expedite cases related to drug trafficking and substance abuse.
Chief Minister Sarma has also stressed the importance of ethical conduct within the legal fraternity, urging lawyers not to exploit loopholes to delay trials, especially in cases involving crimes against women and children. This call for responsibility highlights a commitment to ensuring that justice is served promptly and fairly.
These initiatives reflect a comprehensive approach to strengthening Assam's legal framework, enhancing the efficiency of its justice system, and ensuring the effective enforcement of law and order throughout the state.