About the Data
Why the latest data is already old?
National crime and justice statistics in India are typically published 1.5–2 years after collection because they require verification across thousands of police stations, courts and government agencies. Pardā uses the most recent verified data available while acknowledging this reporting gap.
Sources: National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) /National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG)
Violence Against Women
51 crimes against women are reported every hour
The NCRB recorded 445,256 crimes against women in 2022, around 51 reported cases every hour. The figures include domestic violence, sexual assault, harassment, trafficking, kidnapping and cruelty by relatives or partners.
[National Crime Records Bureau (Crime in India 2022), National Crime Records Bureau (Crime in India 2023)]
Most incidents never reach official records
National and international research consistently shows that most violence against women is never reported. Fear, stigma, economic dependence, family pressure and mistrust in institutions remain major barriers to seeking justice.
[National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), UN Women India, World Health Organization (WHO)]
More than 31,000 rape cases were recorded in 2022
India recorded over 31,000 rape cases in 2022. Conviction rates remain relatively low, highlighting persistent challenges in investigation, evidence collection and judicial delays.
[National Crime Records Bureau (Crime in India 2022), Reuters investigative reporting on rape cases and conviction rates, Ministry of Home Affairs / judicial statistics]
Corruption & Accountability
Corruption remains a major public concern
Surveys consistently identify corruption as a significant factor affecting trust in institutions and access to public services, including policing, welfare and public administration.
[Transparency International – Global Corruption Barometer, LocalCircles Governance Surveys (India), India Justice Report]
Accountability can take years
Investigations, trials and appeals often take years. Particularly in cases involving public institutions, political influence or systemic misconduct, delaying justice and reducing public trust.
[National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG), India Justice Report, Department of Justice, Government of India]
Media & Power
India ranks 151st out of 180 countries for press freedom
In the 2025 World Press Freedom Index, India is ranked 151st of 180 countries. Reporters Without Borders cites political pressure, media concentration and threats against journalists as key concerns.
[Reporters Without Borders (RSF) World Press Freedom Index 2025, Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ)]
Journalists continue to face intimidation
International organisations continue to document arrests, criminal charges, surveillance, online harassment and violence targeting journalists because of their reporting.
[Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Reporters Without Borders (RSF), Human Rights Watch]
Access To Justice
More than 50 million court cases are pending
Over 50 million cases are currently awaiting resolution across India's district courts, High Courts and Supreme Court, placing enormous pressure on the justice system.
[National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG), Government of India – Department of Justice]
Many cases remain unresolved for over five years
A significant share of pending court cases has remained active for more than five years, increasing the financial, emotional and legal burden on everyone involved.
[India Justice Report, National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG)]
Justice delayed affects millions
Judicial vacancies, procedural complexity, investigative delays and limited resources continue to slow access to justice, making delay itself a major barrier to accountability.
[India Justice Report 2025, National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG),Department of Justice, Government of India]