Overview
- Acting on a bench led by Justices JB Pardiwala and KV Viswanathan, the Court urged chief justices to promptly take up matters where interim orders have frozen trials in murder, rape and dowry-death cases.
- The Registrar Generals of all high courts were directed to compile and submit data on serious criminal trials stayed for prolonged periods.
- In the Rajasthan case, the Supreme Court asked the High Court’s Registrar General to send the entire record by special messenger and to provide detailed statistics on criminal revision listings and disposals from 2001 to 2026.
- The bench questioned the State of Rajasthan’s inaction over two decades, dismissed the accused’s challenge to the 2025 order, and warned that indefinite stays make a mockery of justice and erode victims’ rights.
- The matter is listed for further hearing on January 15, with the Court indicating close monitoring once records and responses are received.