Akbar Sheikh & Ors vs State Of West Bengal

The Supreme Court addressed the procedural delays in criminal trials, emphasizing the importance of timely justice under Article 21 of the Constitution. The Court held that the prolonged trial process, which saw significant delays in witness examination, undermines the right to a fair trial. The judgment affirmed the conviction of 20 accused under various sections of the IPC, while remanding the case for determining the age of five appellants, highlighting the need for expeditious proceedings in serious criminal matters.