Supreme Court directs Allahabad High Court Registrar to explain delay in listing long-pending criminal appeals and demands a detailed roadmap for timely hearings.

Discover powerful Latin Maxims and simplify complex legal terms in seconds.

Case Overview

Case Name: Chatra Pal vs. State Of U.P.

A Division Bench of the Supreme Court of India, comprising Justice Sanjay Karol and Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra directed the Registrar Judicial (Listing) of the Allahabad High Court to appear before it on October 16, 2025, to explain the delay in listing criminal appeals . The Court noted that 2,297 appeals involve accused incarcerated for more than ten years, and 52 appeals involve imprisonment exceeding fifteen years reflecting a serious backlog .

Step into the world of justice with Courtroom Chronicles

Key Aspects

The Supreme Court expressed grave concern over the non-listing of criminal appeals for years despite repeated directions . The matter arose from a Special Leave Petition where the convict’s appeal has been pending since 2010 without hearing, resulting in over two decades of imprisonment .

• The Registrar Judicial (Listing) failed to provide a detailed roadmap for the listing of pending criminal appeals .
• The petitioner-convict’s bail plea under Section 389 Cr.P.C. was rejected by the High Court in 2010 .
• The Court had previously sought a report on appeals involving long-term incarceration, revealing 2,297 such cases .
• The Registrar’s report, dated September 27, 2025, lacked clarity on listing procedures and difficulties faced .

Legal Insights

The Court elaborated on the legal provisions ensuring fair appellate proceedings and timely hearings . The delay in listing violates key procedural and constitutional safeguards meant to protect the rights of the accused .

• Section 389, Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (Cr.P.C.) – empowers appellate courts to suspend the execution of sentence and grant bail during the pendency of an appeal .
• Article 21 of the Constitution of India – guarantees the right to life and personal liberty, which includes the right to a speedy trial and appeal .
• Article 227 of the Constitution of India – empowers the High Courts to supervise subordinate courts ensuring procedural efficiency and timely justice .
• The Supreme Court reaffirmed that prolonged pendency of criminal appeals defeats the very purpose of appellate justice and undermines public confidence in the judicial system .

Court’s Verdict

The Supreme Court of India directed the Registrar Judicial (Listing) of the Allahabad High Court to personally appear before it with a comprehensive working plan for listing and hearing long-pending criminal appeals . The Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court was also directed to be apprised of this order to ensure immediate remedial measures .

Source – Supreme Court of India

Read also – Constitution of India

The LawGist ensures exam success with quality notes—TPL, Current Affairs, Recent Judgments, and more. Backed by trusted resources and videos, The LawGist is every aspirant’s first choice. Discover more at thelawgist.org.