Supreme Court Quashes 35-Year-Old Case; Demands Data on UP Judicial Backlog

In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court has quashed a criminal case pending for over 35 years against a police constable. 

Beyond individual relief, the Court launched a systemic inquiry into the "alarming" state of criminal justice in Uttar Pradesh.

Terming the delay for "simple hurt" unjustifiable, the Bench emphasized that speedy justice is a fundamental right under Article 21. Consequently, the Allahabad HC must now submit detailed data by July 13, 2026, regarding judicial vacancies, pending bail applications, and the status of prisoners held for over a decade.

This move highlights a major shift toward structural reform in the state's judiciary.

[Kailash Chandra Kapri v. State of U.P & Ors.]