Supreme Court Warns of 'Mockery of Justice' as Prolonged Trials Stall Justice for Victims
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{ "title": "Supreme Court Warns of 'Mockery of Justice' as Prolonged Trials Stall Justice for Victims", "article": "The Supreme Court has issued a stern warning to high courts across India, urging them to expedite stalled criminal trials in serious cases such as murder, rape, and dowry deaths. The court emphasized that the justice delivery system must balance the rights of the accused with those of victims and their families, cautioning that prolonged stays in such cases would undermine public confidence in the justice system. A recent case from Rajasthan, where a dowry death trial had remained stalled for over two decades due to an interim stay, has highlighted the need for urgent action. The court noted that the case had been pending for 22 years, with the accused challenging the framing of charges in 2003 and the matter only being finally dismissed in August 2025. The Supreme Court has directed the chief justices of all high courts to review cases involving serious offences and ensure that they are taken up expeditiously. The court has also sought information on the number of criminal revision petitions decided by high courts between 2001 and 2026 and the reasons behind prolonged stays in such cases. The court's directions come as a wake-up call for the justice system, emphasizing the need for effective monitoring and early disposal of serious cases. While the court has not directed the immediate release of any accused, it has cautioned that prolonged stays in such cases would amount to a 'mockery of justice' and undermine public confidence in the system."
