SC Pushes Six-Month Trials, Urges Exclusive NIA Courts for Swift Justice
SC Pushes Six-Month Trials, Urges Exclusive NIA Courts for Swift Justice
The Supreme Court pushes six-month trials for heinous and NIA cases, proposes exclusive courts, and a plan to curb backlogs for faster justice.
The Supreme Court signaled that bail in NIA cases could be halted if trials are completed within six months, as it explored the creation of dedicated 'special and exclusive' NIA courts to handle cases with national implications.
Looking at the backlog, the bench noted that when existing courts take on NIA and other statutes, dockets get clogged, delaying undertrials and inflaming backlogs. Judges urged setting up exclusive courts that can work around the clock for terror and other heinous offences.
Centre said talks with states will begin on establishing these exclusive courts, with a concrete action plan due within a month. The court scheduled December 16 for the next hearing and discussed measures to speed up trials, including pruning witness lists and online recording of statements to avoid long-winded examinations.
The proceedings underscored that this isn't only about high-profile cases; delays affect many, including undertrials languishing in prison. The court emphasized practical steps and capacity to run around-the-clock sessions without compromising fairness.
Two petitions — one from a Maoist sympathiser and another from a Delhi gangster seeking bail due to pendency — were discussed to highlight the urgency of reform.
Cover image source: No bail in NIA cases if trial is concluded timely in six months, Supreme Court suggests 🔗
