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.
The Supreme Court has raised serious concern over the rising backlog of gangster and terror-linked cases in Delhi, urging urgent reforms and special courts for speedy trials. The Bench stressed that trials must finish within six months and said “the question of granting bail” should not arise if proceedings move on time.
The Supreme Court of India has called on the Central and State Governments to establish dedicated courts for swift handling of cases under special laws like the UAPA. The court emphasized the need for proper infrastructure to ensure timely trials, addressing delays faced by undertrials and aiming to improve justice in national security matters.
The Supreme Court of India has urged Andhra Pradesh to establish special courts for the expedited trials of jailed Maoist leader Duna Keshav Rao, who surrendered in 2011. Meanwhile, Odisha plans to set up similar courts. Rao argues he faces false charges and seeks timely trial resolutions. The case remains pending.
NEW DELHI: Today,(28th Jan): The Union government has decided not to act on the Supreme Court’s suggestion to create a separate law on bail. The government believes that the recent changes in criminal laws, especially the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, which came into effect in July 2024, already address the concerns about pre-trial detention and related issues.
Between 2019 and October 2024, the Enforcement Directorate filed 911 chargesheets under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, achieving only 42 convictions, indicating a low conviction rate of approximately 4.6%. With 28% of cases still pending trial, concerns of political bias and misuse of the Act have been raised.
