Long Trial Stays in Heinous Crimes Mock Justice: Supreme Court Asks HCs to Prioritise Pending Petitions

Supreme Court directed High Courts to prioritise disposal of petitions that keep trials in heinous offences pending for years, stating that long trial stays through interim orders mock justice.

The matter arose when a criminal revision in the Rajasthan High Court remained pending for 22+ years, keeping a murder trial stayed despite an FIR registered in 2002 alleging dowry harassment and murder, and charges framed the same year. 

The Supreme Court sought data on criminal revisions filed and decided between 2001 and 2026, inquired about the frequency of listing, and ordered an urgent hearing on January 15, 2026.

Its order has been circulated to all High Court registries.

[Vijay kumar & Ors. v. the State of Rajasthan]