Jagdish Ram vs State Of Rajasthan & Anr

The Supreme Court addressed the issue of a long delay in criminal proceedings under Section 7 of the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955, concerning an allegation of untouchability. The Court emphasized that the enforcement of Article 17 of the Constitution, which abolishes untouchability, mandates prompt action against such offenses. The Court held that the delay of 19 years in taking cognizance of the complaint was unreasonable, leading to the quashing of the criminal proceedings against the appellant, a District Ayurvedic Officer.