Delhi High Court Slams Trial Judge for Five-Month Delay in Verdict, Orders Immediate Pronouncement
Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma says judicial proceedings cannot remain in limbo after hearings conclude
Court directs sessions judge to deliver verdict in MCOCA case within two to three weeks
By Our Legal Reporter
New Delhi: January 08, 2026:
The Delhi High Court’s sharp rebuke of the trial judge underscores the principle that justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done promptly. By directing the sessions judge to deliver the verdict within weeks, the court has sent a strong message against judicial complacency.
Background of the Case
- The Delhi High Court was hearing a petition in the case of Parvesh Mann alias Sagar Mann vs State (NCT of Delhi).
- Mann, alleged to be a gangster, was tried under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) for conspiring and facilitating organised crime.
- The trial concluded in August 2025, but the verdict was repeatedly reserved and not pronounced for over five months.
High Court’s Observations
- Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma noted that the trial court had listed the matter several times for pronouncement but failed to deliver the judgment.
- She remarked: “Judicial proceedings cannot oscillate between readiness and uncertainty in this manner, particularly after the trial has concluded.”
- The High Court emphasized that justice delayed is justice denied, and such delays erode confidence in the judicial system.
Legal Framework and Delay
- Under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), judgments must be pronounced within 30–45 days of trial conclusion.
- The sessions judge’s failure to comply with this timeline was seen as a violation of judicial discipline.
- The High Court also set aside an earlier order that had directed final arguments to be reheard by a new judge after the original judge was transferred.
Court’s Directions
- The Delhi High Court ordered the sessions judge to pronounce the verdict within two to three weeks.
- It stressed that litigants cannot be left in uncertainty for months after arguments have concluded.
- The ruling serves as a reminder that timely justice is a constitutional right.
Why This Matters
- Delays in verdicts affect not only the accused but also victims, witnesses, and society at large.
- Prolonged uncertainty can weaken public trust in courts and embolden criminal networks.
- The case highlights the need for judicial accountability and efficiency in India’s justice system.
Wider Context
- Judicial delays are a chronic issue in India, with over 5 crore cases pending across courts.
- Experts argue that stricter timelines, better case management, and accountability measures are essential.
- The Delhi High Court’s intervention in this case may set a precedent for enforcing BNSS timelines more rigorously.
Public Reaction
- Legal experts welcomed the High Court’s stance, calling it a step toward restoring faith in justice delivery.
- Critics, however, point out that systemic issues such as shortage of judges, heavy caseloads, and procedural complexities also contribute to delays.
- The ruling has sparked debate on whether judges should face disciplinary action for failing to deliver judgments on time.
By directing the sessions judge to deliver the verdict within weeks, the court has sent a strong message against judicial complacency. This case may well become a turning point in India’s fight against delayed justice.
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