Retired Officer Highlights National Crisis in Conviction Rates

Shillong, India Aug 15, 2026 ALN: Low conviction rates are part of a wider national issue and stem from shortcomings across the entire criminal justice system, including delayed trials, weak forensic support, and inadequate public cooperation, retired police officer Mariahom Kharkrang has said.

In recent years, the issue of low conviction rates has gained increasing attention across India. Various reports and studies have highlighted the alarming statistics, which reveal that a significant number of criminal cases result in acquittals rather than convictions. This trend raises serious concerns about the effectiveness of the criminal justice system and its ability to deliver justice to victims of crime.

Responding to questions from reporters on the subject, Kharkrang stated that the problem cannot be attributed to any single institution but rather to multiple factors ranging from investigation and prosecution to witness participation. This multi-faceted nature of the issue complicates efforts to implement effective reforms and highlights the need for a comprehensive approach.

“I would not say it is only in Shillong. This is happening all over India,” Kharkrang remarked, adding that various committees and experts have already made several recommendations to improve the criminal justice system. These recommendations often focus on enhancing the efficiency of the judicial process, increasing the availability of resources for law enforcement, and improving the overall infrastructure of the criminal justice system.

One of the primary factors contributing to low conviction rates, as pointed out by Kharkrang, is the long delay in trials. Delays can stem from a variety of sources, including a backlog of cases in the courts, procedural inefficiencies, and insufficient judicial personnel. Such delays often affect the reliability of witness testimonies, which are crucial in establishing the facts of a case.

“There have been cases where I was a witness 20 years ago and I am getting the summons now,” he noted. The implications of such delays are significant; as time passes, the memories of witnesses can fade, and their ability to recall details diminishes. This can create challenges for prosecutors who rely on witness accounts to build their cases.

According to Kharkrang, while trained officials may have ways to refresh their memory, ordinary citizens often find it difficult to recall details of incidents that occurred many years earlier. This can weaken the prosecution’s case, especially when key witnesses are unable to accurately recount events from the crime scene. The integrity of witness testimony is a cornerstone of the judicial process, and any doubts surrounding it can jeopardize the outcome of a trial.

“Once the statements of key witnesses are in doubt or they are not able to spell out exactly what happened, it destroys the whole case,” he emphasized. The consequences of such situations can be dire, as they not only affect individual cases but also contribute to a broader perception of impunity among criminals, further eroding public trust in the justice system.

Kharkrang also stressed the need to strengthen forensic capabilities, particularly Forensic Science Laboratories (FSLs), in view of the growing complexity of crimes, including cybercrime and online fraud. As crime evolves, so too must the tools and techniques used by law enforcement agencies. The reliance on traditional investigative methods may no longer suffice in a landscape where digital evidence plays an increasingly pivotal role.

He stated that modern crimes require more advanced investigative techniques and that law enforcement agencies must continuously upgrade their skills and resources. This includes not only adopting new technologies but also providing ongoing training for officers to ensure they remain equipped to tackle contemporary challenges in crime-fighting.

“The kind of investigations that were carried out earlier are totally different from the kind of cases coming up now. The police have to be one step ahead of the criminals if they want to succeed,” he asserted. This proactive approach is critical in a world where criminals are often quick to adapt and exploit new opportunities.

When asked whether the judiciary was responsible for the low conviction rate, Kharkrang said the issue should not be viewed as the failure of any one institution. “It is the whole system itself — right from investigation to trial,” he explained. This systemic perspective underscores the need for a collaborative effort among various stakeholders, including law enforcement, the judiciary, and the community, to address the underlying issues that contribute to low conviction rates.

He also underlined the role of the public in ensuring successful prosecutions, noting that police often face difficulties in finding independent witnesses willing to come forward. The reluctance of potential witnesses to participate in the judicial process can be attributed to a variety of factors, including fear of retaliation, lack of trust in the justice system, and perceived inconvenience.

“The independent witness is me and you. If we do not come forward to witness a crime, then who will?” Kharkrang concluded. This call to action highlights the importance of community engagement in the justice process and the need for initiatives that encourage public participation in reporting and testifying about crimes. By fostering a culture of cooperation and trust, it may be possible to enhance the effectiveness of the criminal justice system and improve conviction rates.

In conclusion, the issue of low conviction rates in India is a complex and multifaceted problem that requires a comprehensive approach. By addressing the various factors that contribute to this issue—from delays in trials and weak forensic support to the need for greater public cooperation—stakeholders can work towards creating a more effective and trustworthy criminal justice system. The insights provided by retired officer Mariahom Kharkrang serve as a valuable reminder of the challenges faced by law enforcement and the judiciary, and the collective responsibility of society in ensuring justice is served.