Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Oct 9: The Supreme Court has strongly criticized the state of criminal trials in Maharashtra, revealing that hundreds of cases have been stalled for over a decade without even reaching the stage of framing charges—some languishing since as far back as 2006.

A bench comprising Justice Sanjay Karol and Justice N. Kotiswar Singh expressed deep concern after reviewing an affidavit filed by the Registrar General of the Bombay High Court. The affidavit, submitted with supporting documents, painted a grim picture of trial delays across various courts in the state.

“To say the least, it is a reflection of a very shocking state of affairs,” the bench observed, pointing to systemic failures in ensuring timely justice.

According to the affidavit, at least 649 cases in Maharashtra have seen no progress beyond the filing of charge sheets, despite some of them dating back to 2006, 2013, 2014, and continuing through to 2020.

The primary reasons cited for the delays include:

• Non-production of the accused in court
• Non-appearance of advocates, including both prosecutors and defense lawyers

In one particularly concerning case, the petitioner has been incarcerated since April 11, 2021, yet charges have still not been framed, despite the charge sheet being filed in July 2021.

“The petitioner has been in jail for more than four years, and his status remains the same as it was on day one of his incarceration,” the bench noted. “By the time the trial concludes, he may have already spent years behind bars without a conviction.”

The court has directed the Registrar General of the Bombay High Court to seek detailed reports from all District and Sessions Judges on steps being taken to expedite the framing of charges. The judges must also report on compliance with existing guidelines regarding the physical or virtual production of undertrial prisoners, based on the trial stage.

The Supreme Court further ordered that the Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court be informed of these directions. A comprehensive compliance affidavit is expected to be filed before the next hearing, scheduled for October 17.

This development underscores a mounting concern over judicial delays in India, especially in cases involving prolonged pre-trial detention—raising serious questions about access to timely justice and the rights of undertrial prisoners.