The Supreme Court of India directed establishment of exclusive special courts for every 10 to 15 pending NIA trials within one month, observing that delays in terrorism and national security cases defeat speedy justice and adversely affect accused persons and victims.
The Supreme Court of India said special courts are losing purpose as judges handle multiple case types, causing delays. It stressed that exclusive courts and dedicated judges are needed to ensure faster trials and protect undertrials’ rights.
The Supreme Court of India upheld life imprisonment of a Rajasthan man for burning his wife over a domestic dispute. Justices Sanjay Karol and N. K. Singh highlighted patriarchy and persistent domestic violence reflecting deep-rooted social issues.
Former Jammu and Kashmir High Court Chief Justice Gita Mittal highlighted that social prejudices influence even legally trained minds, affecting rape case handling, noting reluctance among police, magistrates, and judges due to stigma surrounding sexual offences.
The Allahabad High Court acquitted Raees after 23 years in a family murder case, calling it a “sad commentary on our criminal justice delivery system.” Justices Siddharth and Jai Krishna Upadhyay urged more judges, staff, and infrastructure to tackle criminal appeal delays.
The Delhi High Court strongly rebuked police officials for concealing vital evidence, submitting misleading status reports, and failing to assist the prosecution in a murder case. The Court called their conduct “complete insensitivity” and ordered action against them.
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.
