No extension yet, but a hint of one: in the Udaya Bhaskar murder case, the Supreme Court has said the November 30 trial deadline will in all probability have to be extended, with the call to be taken closer to the date.
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New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday did not extend the November 30 deadline it had fixed for completing the trial in the murder case against Anantha Satya Udaya Bhaskara Rao, but indicated that it will in all probability have to be extended. Any decision, it said, should come nearer the deadline, on a request from the trial judge [Anantha Satya Udaya Bhaskara Rao murder case].
The Court was hearing the matter in which it had earlier asked for the trial to be concluded by November 30. The allegations against the accused are untested, the Court has expressed no view on the merits, and the presumption of innocence applies.
Decision deferred
For now the date stands. If an extension is sought, the Court indicated, it will be considered closer to November 30 and on the trial judge’s request.
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A dispute over how much time
Senior Advocate Menaka Guruswamy told the Court that the request was only for a six-month extension of the date to conclude the trial. Senior Advocate Siddharth Luthra objected, calling that statement incorrect and misleading. Ms Guruswamy replied that all she was saying was that a little more time was needed.
Deadlines that can bend
Time-bound trial directions from the Supreme Court are meant to prevent delay in serious criminal cases. This hearing shows the Court will reconsider the timeline on the trial judge’s request rather than hold a rigid date, and the decision on any extension is now deferred.
Case Title: Anantha Satya Udaya Bhaskara Rao murder case
Court: Supreme Court of India
Date of Hearing: October 7, 2026
Appearances: Senior Advocates Menaka Guruswamy and Siddharth Luthra