Supreme Court Proposes Pan-India Guidelines to Curb Delays in Framing Charges

The Supreme Court, noting systemic delays in the framing of charges despite the statutory requirement under Section 251(b) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), indicated that it may issue nationwide guidelines to ensure timely compliance.

A Bench expressed concern that prolonged non-framing of charges stalls trials and extends undertrial detention. 

The Court appointed Senior Advocate Siddharth Luthra as amicus curiae and sought inputs from the Attorney General, Solicitor General, and States on remedial steps. 

The Court noted widespread delays and emphasised issuing uniform directions to trial courts to ensure procedural efficiency nationwide.

[Aman Kumar v The State of Bihar]