The Jharkhand High Court recently delivered judgments in four criminal appeals that had been pending for nearly three years. This significant development came after the Supreme Court intervened, taking notice of the delay in pronouncing these judgments. The High Court's decision resulted in the acquittal of three convicts and a split verdict in the case of the fourth, with all four convicts being ordered to be released immediately.

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The convicts, who belonged to Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes, had been serving sentences at Birsa Munda Central Jail, Hotwar, Ranchi. Three were convicted of murder, while one was convicted of rape. Despite filing appeals before the Jharkhand High Court about two to three years ago, the judgments were not pronounced, prompting the convicts to file a writ petition before the Supreme Court.

"The right to life and personal liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution also includes the 'right to speedy trial.'" – Supreme Court

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Following the Supreme Court’s notice and its directive to the Registrar General of the Jharkhand High Court for a status report, the High Court pronounced the judgments. However, despite the orders for immediate release, only one convict was released promptly, while the other three remained in jail. Advocate Fauzia Shakil, representing the petitioners, informed the Supreme Court about the delay, attributing it to unclear reasons.

The Supreme Court bench, comprising Justices Surya Kant and NK Singh, questioned whether the delay was due to the judgments not being uploaded. However, the actual cause was not clarified. The State’s counsel sought time to ensure compliance, and the Court listed the matter for a compliance report at 2 pm on the same day.

By 2 pm, all four convicts were released, with the State counsel explaining that the delay was due to the release orders not reaching the jail authorities. Advocate Shakil thanked the Court and highlighted the need for legal assistance to 10 other similarly placed convicts.

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"Considering the importance of these issues, the Court is inclined to lay down mandatory guidelines to maintain trust in the legal justice system." – Supreme Court

The Supreme Court also expressed concern over the delay in pronouncing judgments. It directed all High Courts' Registrar Generals to submit reports on cases where judgments were reserved but not pronounced by January 31, 2025, to ensure that the right to a speedy trial is upheld.

Case Title: PILA PAHAN@ PEELA PAHAN AND ORS. Versus THE STATE OF JHARKHAND AND ANR., W.P.(Crl.) No. 169/2025