Pune is witnessing a sharp decline in conviction rates, even as the number of registered crimes increases significantly every year. In 2024, the conviction rate in Shivajinagar District and Sessions Courts has dropped to just 13%, compared to 17% in 2023 and 15% in 2022.

Similarly, the Magistrate Courts recorded a conviction rate of 18% in 2024, a stark improvement from 4% in 2023 but still lower than the 10% recorded in 2022.

The backlog of cases in district courts has exceeded 7 lakh, raising concerns about the efficiency of the justice delivery system. Magistrate Courts handle cases with a maximum sentence of three years, while Sessions Courts are authorized to impose life imprisonment or death sentences. However, the effectiveness of these courts in delivering justice has been questioned due to the declining conviction rates.

Several factors contribute to this decline:

• Judicial Delays: Long trial durations often discourage victims and witnesses from pursuing cases.

• Witness Turnaround: Witnesses turning hostile or becoming unreachable over time is a significant issue.

• Inadequate Investigations: Many cases involve incomplete or poorly prepared charge sheets, which weaken the prosecution’s case.

• Technical Errors: Procedural mistakes and loopholes often lead to acquittals.

Criminal lawyers stated that to increase conviction rates, charge sheets must be filed on time, and trials must be expedited. This will ensure that evidence remains intact and witnesses are not influenced or lost.

Conviction Rate Trends in Sessions Courts

Year: Conviction Rate (%)

• Year 2022: 15

• Year 2023: 17

• Year 2024: 13

Conviction Rate Trends in Magistrate Courts

Year: Conviction Rate (%)

• Year 2022: 10%

• Year 2023: 4%

• Year 2024: 18%