‘Criminal cases can’t have lifespan of turtle’: SC on activist’s trial delay
The Supreme Court of India criticized the prolonged trial of a PFI activist, noting that criminal cases should not take years to resolve. The court questioned the delay in a case where the accused has already served a significant portion of the potential maximum sentence.
Why it matters
This case highlights systemic issues within the Indian judiciary regarding trial delays and the rights of individuals held in custody for extended periods.
NEW DELHI: “Lifespan of a criminal trial cannot be that of a turtle,” SC said Wednesday, taking exception to the over-three-year-long trial of an activist of the outlawed Popular Front of India (PFI) facing charges that entail a maximum five-year jail term, with no prospect of its early end because of 700 prosecution witnesses lined up against him.Petitioner Shahid Khan, who was arrested on Sept 22, 2022, has appealed against a Karnataka HC order rejecting his bail plea.
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