SC asks Centre, agencies to act fast on pending gangster trials, suggests hiring retired judges. Outcome of joint meeting to be filed before Oct 18.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India is closely examining the issue of delays in criminal trials against alleged gangsters in Delhi. The matter came up before a Bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymala Bagchi.
In July 2025, the Court had already raised serious concern about the long time gap between the stage when charges are framed and when the recording of evidence actually begins.
The judges said that such delays directly affect the justice delivery system and allow criminal cases to remain pending for years without progress.
During the latest hearing, Justice Surya Kant observed that immediate steps must be taken at the highest administrative level to tackle this problem.
He said,
“Call Secretary level officers and convene a meeting with heads of agencies like NIA, CBI, ED something concrete must be done.”
Appearing for the Union of India, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Aishwarya Bhati supported the idea of a joint initiative.
She submitted,
“A collaborative approach is better the Centre holds the power to designate, but setting up requires joint effort.”
Justice Kant further suggested using the experience of former judges to strengthen the system. He remarked,
“Consider hiring retired judicial officers; every state has capable ones and it avoids lengthy selection.”
After hearing all sides, the Bench passed an order listing the present matter and connected cases for further hearing on October 18, 2025.
The order recorded that both ASGs assured the Court that a high-level joint meeting will soon be held to discuss the creation of dedicated special courts to ensure faster trials under special criminal laws.
The Court directed that this meeting should include the concerned Secretaries of departments, heads of agencies such as NIA, CBI, and ED, along with the ASGs themselves.
The outcome of this meeting will have to be placed before the Supreme Court in the form of a detailed status report.
Background
The Supreme Court of India expressed deep concern over the inordinate delays in 288 pending criminal trials involving alleged gangsters in the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi.
A Bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi highlighted that in nearly 180 of these cases, charges are yet to be framed, while only about 25% have progressed to the stage of recording prosecution evidence.
The Court observed that there is typically a 3–4 year gap between the framing of charges and the commencement of evidence examination, which severely hampers the delivery of justice.
The matter arose during the hearing of a bail plea filed by a man described as a “hardened criminal,” facing charges under Section 307 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Arms Act, with 55 prior cases registered against him.
While considering the plea, the Bench noted the systemic delays and stressed the urgent need for structural reforms.
Justice Surya Kant emphasized that speedy trials could only be ensured through institutional mechanisms such as fast-track courts, the appointment of additional judges, or an ad hoc cadre of judicial officers dedicated to such serious criminal matters.
The Bench underscored the necessity of adequate infrastructure, staffing, and consistent day-to-day hearings to prevent manipulation of the judicial process.
The Court also observed that prolonged trials allow accused persons to misuse the delays, tamper with witnesses, and ultimately seek acquittal. Justice Bagchi remarked that such tactics are often a deliberate “game plan” of the accused.
The Bench drew attention to the growing law and order challenges in the NCR region and noted successful examples from states like Andhra Pradesh, which have introduced special courts and infrastructure to expedite trials.
Case Title:
Mahesh Khatri @ Bholi v. State NCT of Delhi, SLP(Crl) No. 1422/2025
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