An empirical analysis of police investigation efficiency and case pendency in crimes against women in India

Dowry-related and domestic violence offences are the most frequently recorded crimes against women in India, yet their police investigation has received little attention. Using National Crime Records Bureau data for 2020–2023, this study examines investigation efficiency and case pendency for dowry death and cruelty by husband or relatives (Indian Penal Code, now Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita), and offences under the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 and the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005. Drawing on European Court of Human Rights case law, it distinguishes investigation efficiency (throughput relative to caseload) from effectiveness (quality and victim protection), and interprets the data within each offence’s legal and procedural framework. Pendency declined under all four heads, from 33.7% to 26.1% overall, and clearance ratios exceeded 100% in 2022 and 2023. Registrations rose by 20.6% while pending cases fell by 14.6%, and higher case volume was associated with lower pendency. Charge-sheeting rates remained high (80–96%). Dowry death investigations showed persistently higher pendency, reflecting additional procedural requirements. Over 56,000 investigations remained pending in 2023, and available indicators cannot capture investigation duration, reasons for closure or victim protection. The findings indicate improving efficiency without evidence of effectiveness, and highlight the need for richer administrative data.