BIPIN SHANTILAL PANCHAL vs STATE OF GUJARAT AND ANR.

The Supreme Court emphasized the urgent need for trial courts to expedite criminal proceedings, particularly in cases involving under-trial prisoners. The Court noted that despite previous directives to speed up the trial of Dr. Bipin S. Panchal under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, the trial had been unduly prolonged. The Court held that the trial court must take immediate steps to conclude the trial, reiterating the importance of timely justice as mandated by Section 309 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.