IMTIYAZ AHMAD vs THE STATE OF UTTAR PRADESH

The Supreme Court addressed the issue of prolonged delays in criminal proceedings, emphasizing the impact on the rule of law and access to justice as guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution. The Court noted that a significant percentage of cases have been pending for over a decade due to stays on proceedings, particularly at the charge-sheet stage. The Court underscored the need for judicial reforms to address inadequate judge strength as identified in various Law Commission reports, thereby holding that systemic changes are necessary to expedite the judicial process.