Right To Speedy Trial Extends To Appeals: J&K–Ladakh High Court Closes 46-Year-Old Criminal Case

The Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court has closed a 46-year-old criminal case, holding that the constitutional right to a speedy trial extends even to appellate proceedings.

The Court observed that keeping a criminal appeal pending for decades defeats the purpose of the justice system and causes serious prejudice to the accused. It noted that enforcing a substantive sentence after such an extraordinary delay would serve no meaningful purpose.

Emphasising that sentencing should aim at reform rather than prolonged punishment, the Court held that the inordinate delay itself justified closure of the proceedings.

Accordingly, it brought the long-pending criminal proceedings to an end on the ground of inordinate delay.

[Shameema Begum v. PS Bijhama]