Chandigarh: Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini released the ‘Handbook for Executive Magistrates’ on Tuesday. The book has been authored by senior IAS officer (Retd.) Dr. K.K. Khandelwal and Apoorva Kumar Singh, Additional Chief Secretary to the Government of Haryana.
The book launch ceremony, organized under the aegis of the Haryana IAS Officers Association, was attended by office-bearers of the Association and several senior administrative officers. On this occasion, Dr. Amit Agrawal, Secretary, Haryana IAS Officers Association, presented a memento to Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on behalf of the Association.
The Chief Minister described this moment as meaningful for the state’s administrative and judicial systems, stating that it is not just a simple ceremony but a celebration of ideas. When a book is written, it is not merely a compilation of words, but an expression of the author’s thoughts, discipline, and emotions. A book is not just an adornment for libraries; it becomes a guide for future generations. He said that this book will play an important role in strengthening the sacred Constitution of Baba Saheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar.
Nayab Singh Saini said that today’s release is historic because the book has been published at a time when a new chapter has begun in the country’s criminal justice system. The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 has replaced the Criminal Procedure Code, 1973. This reform is a decisive step toward making the justice process faster, simpler, more transparent, and technologically stronger.
The Chief Minister said that under the able guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and under the leadership of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the Haryana Government has fully implemented all three new criminal laws in the state. In such transformational times, the role of Executive Magistrates becomes even more crucial because they are the pillars of the administrative system—directly responsible for law and order, public safety, peace, and impartial justice.
He said that the specialty of this book is that it is not merely a compilation of laws. It is a comprehensive guide presenting, in a simple and clear manner, every aspect, from the role and powers of Executive Magistrates to practical procedures, legal requirements, and their application in ground situations. Written in 10 parts and 45 chapters, this book is a complete reference text in itself.
This book will guide every new, young, and experienced officer and enhance their decision-making ability
The Chief Minister said that the book includes detailed, analytical, and highly practical explanations of various aspects such as preventive justice, security proceedings, magisterial inquiries, inquest proceedings, identification parades, maintaining public order, riot control, defamation, contempt, disciplinary powers, and more. He expressed confidence that this book will guide new, young, and experienced officers, provide clarity, and strengthen their decision-making ability.
Highlighting the contributions of both authors, the Chief Minister said that Dr. K.K. Khandelwal’s vast experience as an engineer, legal expert, administrator, writer, and public servant has been invaluable for the administrative system. Currently, as the Chief National Commissioner of Bharat Scouts and Guides, his leadership is inspiring young people toward nation-building. Similarly, Additional Chief Secretary, Apoorva Kumar Singh has given new direction to the state through his leadership in important departments such as Power, Town and Country Planning, Urban Estates, Mining, Irrigation, and Water Resources. This book is an excellent synthesis of both their experience and vision.
Balance of experience and law makes an officer capable and effective
The Chief Minister said that officers often face situations in which major decisions must be taken within minutes. In such moments, balance between experience and law helps an officer become capable and effective. This book will help strengthen that balance. He said that the Haryana Government will continue to give top priority to good governance, transparency, and accountable administration. The goal is to make every level of administration simple, safe, and respectful for citizens.
This book is a ‘one-stop solution’ for field officers – Sudhir Rajpal
Additional Chief Secretary Sudhir Rajpal said that new officers often encounter complex situations in the field or in offices, and they require a book that works as a ‘one-stop solution’. This book is the result of that belief—that senior officers must always stand with their team to support and guide them.
The Chief Minister has also taught us that the whole of Haryana must progress with the spirit of teamwork. With this thought, the book has been released, and it will be immensely useful to officers, guiding them at every stage of their career.
The Executive Magistrates’ Handbook will serve as a living guide for every young and serving officer – Dr. K.K. Khandelwal
Senior IAS Officer (Retd.) and author Dr. K.K. Khandelwal elaborated on the purpose and relevance of the book. He said that the presence of the Chief Minister on this occasion is not just an honour but a moment of deep inspiration for all officers. The Chief Minister’s simplicity, commitment to public service, and leadership have always been exemplary for the administrative system.
He said that the event is not merely the launch of a book but an opportunity to revisit administrative experiences, responsibilities, and an unwavering commitment to public service. The book is not just a handbook, it is a compilation of years of experience, challenges, and learnings.
He said that after the implementation of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, various new situations and responsibilities emerged in field administration. There was a need for a practical and simple reference book that could guide officers instantly during field decision-making. This book has been prepared with the aim of serving as a living guide for every young and working officer, assisting them in administrative efficiency and quick decision-making at the field level.
An officer’s patience, experience, and wisdom form the foundation of correct decisions – A.K. Singh
Co-author and Additional Chief Secretary A.K. Singh said that real knowledge does not come only from books but from practical experience. The most essential qualities in an officer are patience, alertness, and wisdom, because knowledge of law alone is not sufficient in every situation. When the law does not fully define a situation, the officer’s patience, experience-based judgment, and preparedness at the spot become the basis of correct decisions. He expressed confidence that this book will prove extremely useful for new officers, providing them not only an understanding of new laws but also guidance for better decision-making in practical circumstances.
This book will serve as a guide for new officers and continue to inspire them in performing their duties effectively – Dr. Amit Agrawal
Dr. Amit Agrawal, Secretary, Haryana IAS Officers Association, warmly welcomed Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and other dignitaries, stating that this is not merely a book release but an important step toward strengthening the administrative system. This book will guide new officers and continually inspire them to perform their duties effectively.
He said that under the Chief Minister—who is also the Home Minister of Haryana, the state has become one of the leading states to fully implement the three new criminal laws. The old criminal laws were in place since the British era and needed reforms. The present government revised these laws according to changing needs, and Haryana implemented them swiftly, setting an example. These laws will play an important role in strengthening crime control, service, and security. Dr. Agrawal said that the Haryana Government, working at high speed and non-stop, is taking administrative efficiency and good governance to new heights.
The event was attended by Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Arun Kumar Gupta, Additional Principal Secretary, Dr. Saket Kumar, former Chief Secretary D.S. Dhesi, IAS Officer (Retd.) Dheera Khandelwal, and other senior officers of the Haryana Government.
