New Delhi, August 19: India recorded a total of 12,45,037 cases of crimes against women between 2020 and 2022, the Ministry of Home Affairs informed the Lok Sabha on Tuesday.
Responding to a question from Trinamool Congress MP June Maliah regarding the rising incidents of sexual violence, particularly in tribal and rural regions such as Junglemahal in West Bengal, Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar acknowledged an increase in reported cases over the past three years.
According to National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data, 3,71,503 cases were registered in 2020, which rose to 4,28,278 in 2021 and further to 4,45,256 in 2022.
Kumar attributed this rise not only to the prevalence of crime but also to greater awareness of women’s rights, improved accessibility to police stations, gender-sensitivity training for officers, and stricter action against erring officials, which have encouraged more women to report incidents.
He emphasized that maintaining law and order primarily lies with States and Union Territories, as “Police” and “Public Order” are subjects under the State List of the Constitution. The Centre, however, continues to support them through amendments in criminal laws, financial assistance, training, new technology, and advisories.
Highlighting reforms under the recently enacted Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), Kumar said these legislations strengthen the justice framework by ensuring: Simplified online reporting and the provision of Zero FIR, Exemptions for women and vulnerable groups from visiting police stations, Timely victim compensation, and Stricter timelines for investigation and trial.
The laws mandate fixed deadlines for key stages such as preliminary enquiry (14 days), investigation (90 days), framing of charges (60 days), and pronouncement of judgment (45 days), with courts restricted to a maximum of two adjournments in such cases.
On the Aparajita Bill, Kumar added that it has been reviewed by the concerned ministries and that States have been asked to provide feedback before the government takes a final call.
