Supreme Court Raises Alarm Over Trial Delays, Seeks Urgent Judicial Reforms

The Supreme Court on Monday expressed serious concern over the prolonged delay in criminal trials across the country, observing that systemic inefficiencies are undermining public confidence in the justice delivery mechanism.

Hearing a matter related to undertrial prisoners and case pendency, a bench of the apex court noted that a large number of accused persons continue to spend years in jail awaiting the conclusion of trials. The court highlighted that procedural delays, judicial vacancies, frequent adjournments, and inadequate infrastructure remain persistent challenges.

According to data cited during the proceedings, more than five crore cases are currently pending across various courts in India, with a significant portion involving criminal matters. Undertrials reportedly constitute over 70% of the prison population in several states.

The bench directed the Centre and state governments to submit updated affidavits on judicial vacancies, court infrastructure, and steps taken to reduce pendency. High Courts have also been asked to conduct regular reviews of cases pending for more than five years.

Legal experts say the court’s intervention reflects growing judicial concern over the “process becoming the punishment,” particularly for economically weaker accused who lack access to effective legal representation.