35 Years and Zero Witnesses: Supreme Court Slams Extraordinary Delay in Criminal Trial

The Supreme Court has stayed a 1989 criminal case against a police officer, highlighting a shocking 35-year delay where not a single prosecution witness was examined.

The Bench noted that out of the five original accused, two have passed away, and two were acquitted due to lack of evidence.

Expressing concern over the systemic failure, the court indicated it might quash the case entirely based on this delay alone. 

It has now sought a response from the Uttar Pradesh government before making a final decision, emphasizing that such prolonged trials undermine the legal system.

[Kailash Chandra Kapri v. State of Uttar Pradesh]