Supreme Court’s Call for Speedy Trials: Lessons from Sanjay Dutt’s Appeal and Provisions in BNS
Apex Court’s Repeated Guidelines on Fast-Tracking Justice
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Brings New Framework for Timely Trials
By Our Legal Correspondent
New Delhi: December 12, 2025:
Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt, reflecting on his jail term, recently urged faster trials for inmates, highlighting how delays in justice affect not only the accused but also their families. His appeal resonates with the Supreme Court’s repeated reminders that the right to a speedy trial is a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution.
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The Court has consistently stressed that justice delayed is justice denied, and that prolonged incarceration without conclusion of trial violates human dignity. With the introduction of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), India’s new criminal law framework, the emphasis on timely trials has gained fresh momentum.
Supreme Court’s Repeated Reminders
The Supreme Court has issued several landmark rulings and directions:
- Hussainara Khatoon v. State of Bihar (1979): Recognised speedy trial as part of Article 21.
- Abdul Rehman Antulay v. R.S. Nayak (1992): Laid down detailed guidelines for expeditious trials.
- Recent Directions (2025): The Court asked High Courts to monitor pending cases, especially under special laws like UAPA, and ordered day-to-day hearings for cases pending over five years.
The Court has emphasised that:
- Undertrials should not languish in jail indefinitely.
- Special courts and prosecutors must be appointed promptly.
- Delays caused by procedural lapses or adjournments must be curtailed.
These reminders underline the judiciary’s concern that systemic delays erode public faith in justice.
Speedy Trial as a Constitutional Right
Legal experts note that the right to a speedy trial is not just procedural but a human right. Article 21 guarantees life and personal liberty, and the Supreme Court has interpreted this to mean that trials must be conducted fairly and without undue delay.
Delays lead to:
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- Overcrowding in prisons.
- Mental and social distress for families.
- Loss of evidence and weakening of cases.
Provisions in Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)
The BNS, which replaces the Indian Penal Code, introduces measures to strengthen trial timelines:
- Mandatory timelines for investigation and trial stages.
- Greater accountability for investigating officers and prosecutors.
- Encouragement of technology-driven hearings to reduce adjournments.
- Special focus on vulnerable groups, including women and undertrials.
By embedding these provisions, the BNS seeks to institutionalise the Supreme Court’s vision of speedy justice.
Impact on Prisoners and Society
Cases like Sanjay Dutt’s highlight the human cost of delayed trials. Thousands of undertrials across India face similar challenges:
- Families suffer stigma and financial hardship.
- Accused individuals lose years of productive life.
- Society bears the cost of overcrowded prisons and prolonged litigation.
Speedy trials would:
- Reduce prison overcrowding.
- Enhance public trust in the judiciary.
- Ensure fair treatment of accused persons.
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Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s repeated reminders and the new provisions in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita mark a turning point in India’s criminal justice system. As Sanjay Dutt’s appeal underscores, delayed trials harm not only the accused but also the credibility of justice itself.
By enforcing timelines, appointing special courts, and leveraging technology, India can move closer to a system where justice is not just delivered, but delivered on time.
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