The Supreme Court is intervening to address the widespread delays in framing charges, which significantly impede the progress of criminal trials across the country. Recognizing that many courts are taking months, and sometimes years, to frame charges, the apex court has decided to issue nationwide guidelines to enforce the 60-day charge framing rule stipulated in the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). This move is aimed at accelerating the justice delivery system and preventing individuals from being held in pre-trial detention for extended periods.
The decision was reached on Wednesday during a hearing where a bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and N V Anjaria voiced their concerns about the existing delays. The court has requested Attorney General R Venkataramani to provide guidance in the matter and has appointed prominent criminal lawyer Siddharth Luthra as amicus curiae to assist the court.
The BNSS, which replaces the colonial-era Criminal Procedure Code, establishes specific timelines for various stages of criminal investigations and trials. However, these timelines are often not adhered to in practice, resulting in trial delays similar to those experienced under the old code. Section 251 of the BNSS mandates that in cases triable by the court, charges should be framed within 60 days of the first hearing. Despite this clear provision, charges are frequently not framed even after considerable time has passed.
The Supreme Court's intervention seeks to ensure that the BNSS provisions are implemented effectively on the ground. By setting a firm timeline for framing charges, the court aims to streamline the trial process and reduce the backlog of cases. This will not only benefit the accused but also ensure that victims receive justice in a timely manner.
This directive from the Supreme Court has the potential to significantly impact the Indian judicial system. By enforcing the 60-day timeline, the court is sending a strong message to lower courts about the importance of adhering to the BNSS guidelines. The move is expected to bring about greater efficiency and accountability in the criminal justice system, ultimately leading to quicker and fairer trials. The order is expected to be passed soon.
In related legal news, charges have been framed against five individuals, including the victim's wife, in the Raja Raghuvanshi murder case in Meghalaya. The accused face charges of murder, disappearance of evidence, and criminal conspiracy under the BNS.
