Supreme Court demands report on delayed judgements: Spotlight on Jharkhand High Court

THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK

New Delhi, May 5: In a significant move aimed at tackling judicial delays, the Supreme Court of India has directed all High Courts to submit a detailed report on cases where judgements have been reserved but not delivered as of 31 January 2025. This directive comes amid serious concerns about prolonged delays—particularly in the Jharkhand High Court.

Focus on Jharkhand: Judgements Reserved for Over Three Years

The bench, comprising Justices Surya Kant and NK Singh, issued the directive while hearing a writ petition filed by four convicts whose criminal appeals were reserved by the Jharkhand High Court over two to three years ago, yet remain undecided. Justice Kant called the delay “very disturbing” and suggested that mandatory guidelines may soon be put in place to prevent such occurrences.

Petitioners allege that despite years in custody, including one convict serving over 16 years, their appeals remain in limbo—violating their fundamental right to a speedy trial under Article 21 of the Constitution.

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Supreme Court Seeks Data on All Delayed Judgements

The Court instructed Registrar Generals of all High Courts to provide a breakdown of civil and criminal matters with reserved judgements pending as of 31 January 2025. The information must also specify whether each case was heard by a single or division bench.

The directive follows a report in The Indian Express, which revealed that the Jharkhand High Court disposed of 75 criminal appeals within a week of the Supreme Court issuing notice in this case. The apex court has now requested a list of those cases, including the dates the judgements were originally reserved.

Background: Convicts Left in Legal Limbo

The petitioners, currently held at Birsa Munda Central Jail in Ranchi, claim that despite their appeals being argued and reserved in 2022, there has been no judgement. They argue that this delay is not just procedural but a violation of their right to life and liberty.

Their plea references previous landmark rulings such as Anil Rai v. State of Bihar and Akhtari Bi v. State of M.P., which emphasise the constitutional obligation to pronounce judgements in a timely manner—even in appeals.

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Plea for Bail and Justice

Advocate Fauzia Shakil, appearing for the petitioners, also highlighted that many other similarly placed convicts await judgements in appeals pending for over three years. She further noted that two of the petitioners’ cases were listed for pronouncement on the same day the Court heard this plea.

Additionally, the petition draws on precedents like Saudan Singh v. State of U.P., where it was held that convicts who have served more than eight years are generally eligible for bail.

Repeated Appeals Ignored

Despite submitting representations to the Chief Justice of India, the Chief Justice of Jharkhand High Court, and various legal aid bodies, the petitioners claim they have received no response. Their appeals, they stress, are not just legal formalities—they represent the hope of justice after years of incarceration.