In Brief
A man convicted of murder under the IPC languished in custody for over ten years awaiting appeal hearing in the High Court. While the Supreme Court declined to grant bail, it used the case to address systemic judicial delays. The Court held that speedy justice is a fundamental right under Articles 14 and 21. Finding existing High Court structures incapable of timely disposal, the Court directed the government to examine creating alternative appellate forums below High Courts to reduce congestion, implementing central recruitment mechanisms for judges, establishing performance accountability, and preventing lawyer strikes that obstruct justice. The matter was disposed with orders for quarterly reports and future consideration.",
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