CHANDIGARH, Aug. 18 — The Haryana government has introduced new community service guidelines that allow first-time offenders in petty crimes to replace jail terms with structured, socially useful work. Officials said the move aims to reduce prison overcrowding and promote rehabilitation over punishment.
Sumita Misra, Additional Chief Secretary (Home and Administration of Justice), who played a key role in drafting the 2025 policy, said the reform is anchored in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and reflects “a shift from retribution to rehabilitation.”
“The intent is not to diminish the seriousness of offences but to harness them as moments of transformation. Every offence leaves a scar on society but also an opportunity — to turn a wrong into a public good,” Misra said.
Under the new policy, judges will have the discretion to assign community service in place of imprisonment for eligible offenders. Tasks may include planting trees along riverbanks, assisting in rural health centres, maintaining heritage sites, cleaning public parks, and contributing to campaigns such as Swachh Bharat.
Assignments will be tailored to each offender’s age, physical health and skills to ensure that the work benefits both the community and the individual. “By redirecting low-risk offenders to constructive service, the burden on correctional facilities is eased, while communities benefit from tangible improvements,” Misra noted.
Compliance will be closely monitored, she added. Attendance will be verified through biometric systems, while geo-tagged photos and videos will serve as proof of work. Periodic reports will be submitted to courts so judicial officers can track progress in real time.
The guidelines also include special provisions for juveniles and women offenders. “Juveniles in conflict with the law will participate in supervised activities such as NCC training, skill-building workshops and environmental projects that foster discipline and purpose,” Misra said. “Women offenders will be placed in environments where they can contribute meaningfully while maintaining safety and dignity, including Nari Niketan, anganwadi centres, maternity wards and child care facilities.”
Officials involved in the programme will undergo orientation sessions to ensure uniform application across districts.
The policy, Misra said, is designed as a step toward a more restorative justice system that “restores as much as it corrects.”
