New procedural framework in Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu Brings Criminal Procedure Rules in Line with BNSS 2023: In July 2025, the Tamil Nadu Government officially notified the Tamil Nadu Criminal Procedure Rules, 2025. This reform is aimed at aligning the state’s legal procedures with the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS)—India’s new procedural criminal code replacing the CrPC.
These rules bring a clear shift towards digitisation and fast-track justice processes. They focus on expanding police jurisdiction flexibility, incorporating modern technology in evidence handling, and enhancing the efficiency of legal summons.
FIRs allowed beyond jurisdiction
A major highlight is that First Information Reports (FIRs) can now be registered by any police station in Tamil Nadu, even if the cognisable offence occurred outside its jurisdiction. However, the rule mandates that such FIRs must be transferred to the competent police station both electronically and physically within 24 hours.
Static GK fact: Cognisable offences are those where a police officer is empowered to register a case and arrest the accused without prior magistrate approval.
Digitised and trackable summons
Courts are now empowered to serve summons digitally. The rules specify that summons can be sent through authenticated emails, OTP-verified mobile numbers, or via standard messaging platforms like SMS and WhatsApp.
The delivery and receipt of summons are logged digitally, allowing confirmation through reply messages or automated links. This adds a verifiable chain to legal communication and reduces delays caused by manual processes.
Static GK Tip: The Indian Evidence Act recognises electronic records as admissible evidence if properly authenticated.
Mandatory use of eSakshya app for evidence
A notable innovation is the mandatory use of the eSakshya Mobile Application for evidence collection. Police officials are now required to record audio-visual evidence, upload photographs, and create SID packets—which are secure, geo-tagged, time-stamped, and hash-verified digital files.
This ensures tamper-proof documentation of crime scenes and witness statements, significantly strengthening evidence quality during trials.
Integrated platforms tested by Tamil Nadu Police
The Tamil Nadu Police has successfully conducted testing of critical digital platforms that will support the rules. These include:
- CCTNS-II (Crime and Criminal Networking System): for centralised police data access
- eSakshya: for digital evidence
- e-Summons: for tracking legal communication
This integration ensures a smoother transition from paper-based procedures to fully digital systems.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Tamil Nadu Brings Criminal Procedure Rules in Line with BNSS 2023:
| Topic | Detail |
| Date of Notification | July 2025 |
| Purpose | Align with Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 |
| FIR Jurisdiction Rule | FIRs can be registered outside jurisdiction, transferred in 24 hrs |
| Digital Summons | Via email, OTP numbers, and messaging platforms |
| eSakshya App | Mandatory for audio-visual evidence, SID packet generation |
| SID Packet | Secure, geo-tagged, timestamped evidence with hash verification |
| Tamil Nadu Police Systems Tested | CCTNS-II, eSakshya, e-summons |
| Importance of BNSS 2023 | Replaces CrPC with a modernised code |
| Evidence Logging | Digital, trackable, and verifiable |
| Static GK Tip | Digital evidence is admissible under Indian Evidence Act |
