SUPREME COURT AND THE ISSUE OF DELAYED DELIVERY OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE IN INDIA: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The criminal law in India is based on the principle of presumption of innocence of the accused till, there is a proof to establish the guilt beyond reasonable doubt. Meaning thereby, there should not be any wrongful conviction of an innocent person. Hence, the accused is given multiple opportunities to defend themselves. The statutes such as Code of Criminal procedure, Constitution of India, Supreme Court rules, are duty bound to defend the accused and prevent the infringement of fundamental right of Art.21 (right to life and personal liberty) as stated in the constitution of India. These constitutional and statutory mandate takes long and lengthy procedure in criminal trial. And sometimes it amounts to inordinate delay in justice delivery system, thereby hampering the due process of law. In view of this backdrop, this article critically analyse the the Issue of Delayed Delivery of Criminal Justice in India by quoting various guidelines of the Supreme court and High Courts regarding speedy disposal of pending cases.