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 3rd December, Supreme Court granted bail to former Rajasthan minister Mahesh Joshi after he spent nearly seven months in custody in the PHED money laundering case. The Bench, hearing his special leave petition, found grounds to set-aside earlier bail refusals.
The New Delhi Bar Association has demanded an increase in the pecuniary jurisdiction of Delhi district courts from Rs 2 crore to Rs 20 crore, citing rising case pendency and outdated limits. The association said this move would speed up trials and ease the burden on the Delhi High Court.
The Supreme Court directs all High Courts to issue circulars ensuring expeditious trials, especially in sensitive cases, stressing continuous examination of witnesses and strict adherence to Section 309 CrPC. The move aims to uphold the right to a speedy trial under Article 21.
The Supreme Court stressed the urgent need for dedicated NIA courts to ensure speedy trials in heinous offences. The bench warned that hardened criminals misuse delays to force bail.
The Punjab and Haryana High Court criticized the trial court for delays and leniency in a ₹58.68 lakh scam case involving 76-year-old Colonel Sukhwinder Singh Dhillon. The HC directed immediate steps to ensure speedy and humane trial proceedings for senior citizens.
The Advocates’ Association of Jharkhand High Court has highlighted significant delays in justice delivery, urging the Chief Justice of India for intervention. They claim administrative failures are violating bail rights and constitutional guarantees. Despite repeated grievances, no actions were taken, prompting their appeal for reconstitution of benches and prompt hearings.
Bihar Police propose establishing 100 fast-track courts to expedite justice, focusing on cases involving illegal assets. DGP Vinay Kumar highlighted the need for quicker trials as pending cases have surged to nearly 17 lakh. Strong actions against corrupt officials, regardless of their status, will be prioritized to tackle illegal wealth effectively.
The Delhi High Court has addressed delays in Juvenile Justice Boards, issuing notices to the Centre and Delhi Government over a PIL that claims these delays infringe children’s rights to a fair trial. The petitioner, iProbono, highlights a “shockingly poor” implementation of legal timelines, urging systemic reforms for timely justice.
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.
