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IndiaPosted at: Apr 23 2025 11:24PM


SC issues notice on delay in pronouncement of judgments by Jharkhand HC

New Delhi, Apr 23 (UNI) The Supreme Court on Wednesday took serious note of inordinate delays by the Jharkhand High Court in pronouncing judgments on criminal appeals filed by four convicts, despite the cases being reserved for judgment over two to three years ago.
A bench, comprising Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh, issued notice to the Registrar General of the Jharkhand High Court, directing the submission of a status report in a sealed cover on the long-pending judgments.
The apex court also issued notice on applications filed by the convicts seeking suspension of their sentences, since the prolonged delay has rendered them ineligible for remission.
The four convicts, members of Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes, have been sentenced to life imprisonment; three for murder and one for rape.
One convict has spent over 16 years in jail, while the others have undergone actual custody ranging from 11 to 14 years. All are lodged at Birsa Munda Central Jail, Hotwar, Ranchi.
The convicts had approached the High Court challenging their convictions.
While arguments concluded and judgments were reserved in 2022, no verdict has been delivered to date.
This delay, the petitioners argue, violates their fundamental rights under Article 21 of the Constitution, particularly their right to a speedy trial and timely justice.
Quoting the Supreme Court's own precedents in Hussainara Khatoon versus Home Secretary, State of Bihar and Akhtari Bi vs State of MP, the plea emphasized that an appeal is an integral part of the criminal trial, and delays in its adjudication directly impact the right to personal liberty.
The petition, filed through Advocate-on-Record Fauzia Shakil, also cited Anil Rai vs State of Bihar, where the apex court had strongly disapproved of constitutional courts reserving judgments indefinitely, especially in matters concerning personal liberty.
The convicts highlighted that they had submitted multiple representations to authorities, including the Chief Justice of India, the Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court, legal aid services and visiting jail officials, but received no response.
The plea also pointed out that 10 other convicts are in a similar situation, with judgments on their appeals pending for over three years, further compounding the crisis of delayed justice.
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