CJI Surya Kant-led Supreme Court flags delay in pronouncement of judgments, urges High Courts to ensure timely justice.
Case in NewsDelay in Pronouncement of Judgments Must End issue raised before Supreme Court over High Court inaction. |
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Case Overview
Case Name: Pila Pahan @ Peela Pahan v. State of Jharkhand
The Supreme Court of India led by CJI Surya Kant along with Justice Joymalya Bagchi & Justice Vipul Pancholi examined systemic delays by High Courts in delivering reserved judgments. The case originated from a writ petition by 4 convicts whose criminal appeals were pending before the Jharkhand High Court for over 3 years. Although judgments were pronounced after Supreme Court intervention the Court expanded the matter to assess delays across all High Courts and sought detailed reports nationwide.
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Key Aspects
Timely delivery of judgments is a foundation of justice. Prolonged delays after reserving matters erode public confidence & undermine litigants’ rights. The Court addressed recurring procedural practices contributing to this institutional problem.
- Criminal appeals remained undecided for years despite completion of arguments .
- Oral pronouncement without uploading written judgments caused prejudice to litigants.
- Judges listing ripe matters repeatedly instead of reserving judgments was flagged .
- Lack of transparency in tracking reserved judgments across High Courts highlighted.
Legal Insights
Judicial discipline in pronouncing judgments has been repeatedly emphasized by constitutional courts . The present case revisits settled principles for accountability & procedural fairness.
- Article 21 of Indian Constitution – Right to Speedy Justice –Delay in judgments violates the right to life & personal liberty by denying timely justice.
- Ratilal Jhaverbhai Parmar v. State of Gujarat–Reasoned judgments must follow operative orders within 2–5 days except urgent cases .
- Ravindra Pratap Shahi v. State of Uttar Pradesh– Registrar must place matters before the Chief Justice if judgments are delayed beyond 3 months.
- Rajan v. State of Haryana–Unreasonable delay in uploading judgments after pronouncement is impermissible .
Court’s Verdict
The Supreme Court held that delayed Pronouncement of Judgement is a systemic failure that “must be cured effectively.” CJI Surya Kant announced the issue would be raised at the High Court Chief Justices’ Conference, stressing cooperation, transparency & strict adherence to judicial timelines . The matter is listed for further hearing on February 16.
Source – Supreme Court of India
Read also – Indian Constitution
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