CJI Surya Kant stated, “Justice delayed is not only justice denied but it is justice destroyed.” He made these remarks at the Fali Nariman memorial lecture and during a felicitation program organized by the Bombay High Court.
The Supreme Court set aside the Telangana High Court’s order granting indirect arrest protection while hearing an FIR quashing plea, reiterating that such relief cannot be granted without hearing the de facto complainant or recording prima facie grounds for quashing.
Nearly a year after the Supreme Court allowed the appointment of ad-hoc judges to clear pending criminal cases, no high court has acted on the decision. With over 18 lakh criminal cases still pending, the constitutionally backed provision under Article 224A remains unused.
The Supreme Court has directed all High Court Chief Justices to review long-pending cases under laws like UAPA and ensure speedy trials. The court said the State must support accused facing “reverse burden” laws and prevent unnecessary delays.
Today, On 15th November, Supreme Court clarified it is not legislating or monitoring every small incident, stressing that hate speech complaints must be handled by existing authorities. The Bench noted that high courts and police stations already possess powers to act promptly.
The Supreme Court has directed all High Courts to quickly provide data on delays in framing charges under the BNSS. This move aims to create strict guidelines and prevent long custody periods without charges.
The Supreme Court has stayed the operation of Section 166(3) of the Motor Vehicles Act, which imposed a six-month limit for filing accident claims. Tribunals and High Courts have been directed not to reject petitions solely due to delay.
The Supreme Court will hear a batch of petitions on November 4 challenging the Online Gaming Act 2025, which bans online money games and restricts banking and advertising links, amid rising debates over its constitutionality and impact on digital gaming.
Senior Advocate V.V. Giri told the Supreme Court that promotions in the Higher Judicial Service hinge on seniority but must also respect merit and experience. The Bench, led by CJI BR Gavai, is weighing how to balance promotee and direct recruit judges in career progression.
The Supreme Court called the delay in execution of 8.8 lakh pending petitions “highly disappointing and nothing short of a travesty of justice.” It pulled up the High Courts, urging them to expedite the disposal of these cases.
