'Tareekh pe Tareekh' shouldn't become hallmark of justice system: Allahabad HC in 25-year-old case

The Allahabad High Court has expressed concern over a 24-year delay in a kidnapping case, observing that such prolonged adjournments are incompatible with the constitutional guarantee of fair and speedy trial under Article 21 of the Constitution. The court granted anticipatory bail to the accused, noting that the proceedings had remained dormant for years without meaningful progress, reducing the criminal trial to a mere formality.

The Allahabad High Court has recently highlighted the issue of prolonged adjournments in a 25-year-old kidnapping case, underscoring the need for a more efficient and effective justice delivery system. The court's observation is significant, as it underscores the importance of upholding the constitutional guarantee of fair and speedy trial. This article examines the background to this case and the implications of the court's observation.

The case in question arose from a first information report (FIR) registered on December 30, 2001, alleging that a 15-year-old girl had been abducted by two accused individuals. The prosecution claimed that the girl had been alone at home when she went missing, and an informant later reported seeing the accused persuading and taking her away. The case has been pending for over two decades, with the court noting that the proceedings have remained dormant for years without meaningful progress.

The implications of the court's observation are far-reaching, and it remains to be seen how this decision will impact the administration of justice in India. However, one thing is clear: the need for a more efficient and effective justice delivery system has never been more pressing. As the court noted, 'justice cannot be permitted to become a casualty of endless adjournments and prolonged institutional inaction.'

Ultimately, it is only through concerted efforts to address the issue of prolonged adjournments that we can create a justice delivery system that truly upholds the principles of fairness and speed. The Allahabad High Court's observation in this case serves as a call to action, urging us all to work towards creating a more effective and efficient justice delivery system.