Chandigarh, December 9, 2025: Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Tuesday unveiled the book Handbook for Executive Magistrates, authored by retired IAS officer Dr. K.K. Khandelwal and Additional Chief Secretary Apoorva Kumar Singh. The launch event was organised under the banner of the Haryana IAS Officers Association in Chandigarh, with several senior bureaucrats in attendance.
During the ceremony, the Chief Minister said a book is not just a collection of words but a reflection of the author’s thoughts, discipline and experiences. He noted that such works act as a guiding light for future generations and strengthen democratic governance. A memento was also presented to the Chief Minister by IAS Association Secretary Dr. Amit Agarwal on behalf of the organisation.
Saini said the release of the book is significant at a time when India’s criminal justice system is undergoing a transformative shift. The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita – 2023 has replaced the Criminal Procedure Code, 1973, marking a major step towards faster, transparent and technology-driven justice. He added that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Haryana has fully implemented all three newly enacted criminal laws. In such a changing system, the role of executive magistrates, who manage law and order, public safety and justice delivery at the ground level, becomes even more critical.
He emphasised that the book’s real value lies in its comprehensive approach. Spread across 10 sections and 45 chapters, it covers legal provisions, administrative procedures and practical challenges faced by executive magistrates. Topics such as preventive justice, security proceedings, magisterial inquiries, inquest processes, identification parades, public order management, riot control, defamation, contempt and disciplinary powers have been explained in a clear and accessible manner. Saini said the book will enhance decision-making abilities of new, young and experienced officers alike.
Highlighting the contribution of the authors, Saini said Dr. K.K. Khandelwal’s experience as an engineer, legal expert, administrator and public servant has enriched the work. In his current role as Chief National Commissioner of the Bharat Scouts and Guides, he continues to inspire young people in nation-building. Similarly, Additional Chief Secretary Apoorva Kumar Singh has served in key departments including Energy, Town and Country Planning, Urban Estates, Mining and Irrigation, contributing significantly to Haryana’s development.
Saini said officers often face situations that demand quick decisions, where both experience and legal knowledge must work together. The book, he added, strengthens that balance and aligns with the government’s focus on good governance, transparency and citizen-centric administration.
Additional Chief Secretary Sudhir Rajpal called the book a “one-stop solution” for field officers who frequently encounter complex situations. He said the handbook reflects the idea that senior officers must support and guide their teams at every step.
Dr. K.K. Khandelwal described the book as the outcome of years of learning, challenges and administrative experiences. He said the implementation of the new criminal laws has created fresh responsibilities for field officials, making an easy-to-use reference guide essential. He added that the book is designed to serve as a practical, living manual for officers making real-time decisions in the field.
Co-author A.K. Singh said real knowledge comes from experience. According to him, patience, alertness and sound judgement are the qualities that shape a capable officer, especially when the law does not fully define a situation. He expressed confidence that the book will help new officers understand new laws and improve decision-making in complex situations.
Dr. Amit Agarwal, Secretary of the IAS Association, said the release marks an important step towards strengthening administrative systems in Haryana. He emphasised that the state has been among the first to implement all three new criminal laws, replacing outdated colonial-era legislation. These laws, he said, will significantly improve crime control, public service and safety. He added that the state government is committed to high-speed, efficient and transparent governance.
The event was attended by Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Arun Kumar Gupta, Additional Principal Secretary Dr. Saket Kumar, former Chief Secretary D.S. Dhesi, retired IAS officer Dhira Khandelwal, and other senior government officials.
