Shillong, July 10, 2025: The Meghalaya Cabinet has approved a set of key rules aimed at operationalizing the country’s new criminal laws, which came into effect nationwide on July 1, 2024. These measures mark a significant step toward modernizing the state’s legal and judicial framework, emphasizing digital transformation and reformative justice.

The approved rules include:

Management of Electronic Evidence Rules, 2025 – These rules enable the secure collection, storage, and use of digital evidence through the eSakshya app. Designed with stringent safeguards, the app features a 16-digit secure code, geotagging, and timestamping, ensuring the authenticity and admissibility of electronic evidence in court. Both courts and prosecution teams will have real-time access to such data.

Electronic Process Issuance and Execution Rules, 2025 – This provision allows for the issuance of e-summons and e-warrants under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), replacing the traditional paper-based system. The move, enabled by integration with the Case Information System (CIS), is expected to streamline judicial processes and reduce delays.

Community Service Guidelines, 2025 – In a progressive shift toward non-custodial sentencing, the state has introduced community service as a legal punishment for minor offenses. Individuals convicted of petty crimes may be assigned tasks such as assisting in hospitals, schools, libraries, or forest maintenance as part of their sentence.

These developments are part of Meghalaya’s broader commitment to aligning with national legal reforms while leveraging digital tools for more transparent, efficient, and humane justice delivery.