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The SC stressed that keeping a ruling reserved for an indefinite period is a severe violation of the right to speedy justice, a fundamental aspect of Article 21 of the Constitution
The top court also highlighted that such delays can lead to the loss of crucial evidence or the death of witnesses, further complicating the judicial process. File pic/PTI
In a move to address the chronic issue of judicial delays, the Supreme Court has issued a stern directive setting a three-month deadline for High Court judges to deliver judgments after reserving their verdicts. The apex court expressed its dismay at the practice of judges keeping judgments reserved for months, a delay that often leaves litigants in a state of uncertainty and despair.
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The ruling, delivered by a bench of the Supreme Court, has established a clear and decisive protocol. The new directive mandates that once a judgment is reserved, the High Court judge must deliver the verdict within three months. Should the judge fail to do so, a two-week grace period will be granted. If the judgment remains undelivered beyond this additional period, the case will be automatically assigned to another judge of the same High Court. The new judge will then have the responsibility of hearing the arguments from the beginning and delivering a fresh verdict, a process aimed at preventing prolonged stagnation of cases.
The Supreme Court stressed that keeping a judgment reserved for an indefinite period is a severe violation of the right to speedy justice, a fundamental aspect of Article 21 of the Constitution. The practice not only inconveniences the litigants but also adds to the already overwhelming backlog of cases. The court also highlighted that such delays can lead to the loss of crucial evidence or the death of witnesses, further complicating the judicial process.
Experts say the directive is a significant step towards improving judicial efficiency and accountability. The Supreme Court’s firm stance signals a zero-tolerance policy for judicial procrastination and is expected to bring a much-needed sense of urgency to the justice delivery system.
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The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d…Read More
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d… Read More
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