SC Cracks Down on Heinous Crimes: Trials Must End in 6 Months
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In a significant move to expedite justice for heinous crimes, the Supreme Court has directed the Centre to set up exclusive courts for trials within six months. The court, led by Justice Surya Kant, stated that heinous crimes are a 'crime against the nation' and should be dealt with swiftly. The decision came during a hearing on bail pleas of two individuals, a Maoist sympathiser and a Delhi gangster, who cited the long pendency of their trials as a reason for their bail applications. The court has asked the Centre to present a concrete action plan within a month to establish dedicated special courts for trying heinous offences, including those under special statutes like the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). To expedite trials, the court suggested pruning witness lists and recording statements online. The Centre has been holding talks with 11 states to establish dedicated special courts for trial of NIA cases. The Supreme Court's observations come after a July 18 order warning the Centre and states that failure to establish such courts would lead to bail being granted to prisoners languishing in heinous offences registered under the NIA Act.
