The Delhi High Court strongly criticised a 13-year delay in arresting a murder convict whose appeal was dismissed in 2012, calling it a “serious systemic failure”. The Court warned that such lapses damage the credibility of the criminal justice system and issued strict directions to prevent similar failures.
The Supreme Court expressed strong displeasure over the prolonged pendency of bail and anticipatory bail applications in several High Courts, calling it a serious threat to personal liberty. The Court warned that it may issue mandatory guidelines if High Court Chief Justices fail to ensure timely hearings in bail matters.
Supreme Court ruled courts should not insist on upfront monetary deposits or guarantees as conditions for granting or considering bail, warning such practices may distort justice. The bench made observations while hearing an SLP challenging denial of interim bail in a subsidy diversion case.
The Rajasthan High Court held that bond conditions must reflect a prisoner’s financial capacity, stressing that poverty cannot justify continued incarceration. The court criticised authorities for mechanically insisting on sureties from indigent prisoners seeking parole as unjust and unfair.
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant stated that those involved in narcotics trafficking, organizing supply chains, and exploiting human vulnerability commit serious harm. He emphasised, “Law must speak firmly, decisively and without hesitation against drug traffickers.”
The Supreme Court has directed all trial courts to use structured charts for witnesses, documents and evidence in criminal judgments. The move aims to improve clarity, readability and faster review of cases by appellate courts.
In the Kerala actress assault case, Judge Honey Varghese warned that tarnishing the court’s image could lead to contempt proceedings. She cautioned media and lawyers to report responsibly and avoid distorted portrayals of ongoing judicial hearings and processes.
India’s criminal justice system faces deep structural flaws, from low conviction rates to weak investigations. Former CJI U U Lalit calls it “the most neglected sphere” and urges urgent reforms to prevent misuse of laws and protect the innocent.
A convict in the 2011 Keenan-Ruben murder case has died after waiting nine years for his appeal to be heard by the Bombay High Court. This comes despite repeated Supreme Court directions urging the High Court to decide the case within three months.
Thane Sessions Court in Maharashtra acquitted five individuals in a 32-year-old murder case, citing the absence of key documents and unreliable witnesses. The court ruled the prosecution failed to prove charges, calling it “torn records and lack of evidence.”
