Gujarat High Court Demands State Action: 'Address Backlog of Decades-old Criminal Appeals

The Gujarat High Court has issued a stern directive to the State, urging immediate action to address the substantial backlog of old criminal appeals, some spanning over three decades.

Justices AS Supehia and Vimal K Vyas underscored the State's pivotal role in ensuring the expeditious resolution of pending criminal appeals, particularly those involving heinous offenses. Criticizing the State's inertia in implementing previous court orders, the bench emphasized the State's constitutional duty to uphold law and order.

In their ruling, the division bench stressed, "Acquittal appeals in heinous offenses which are more than three decades old are still pending in this Court, apparently the State is a major stakeholder." They further added, "By keeping the criminal appeals pending for more than two decades, and without making any attempts to see that the same is put to an end or are heard expeditiously, the State is failing in its sacrosanct duty which directly impacts the social order."

The Court recalled its previous directive, issued on July 21, 2023, urging the State to form a committee to address the backlog of old criminal appeals. Expressing disappointment at the lack of progress, the bench emphasized the urgency for the State to streamline the entire process governing criminal appeals.

The ruling was prompted by a criminal appeal filed against the acquittal and conviction of a 73-year-old man for the murder of his wife 27 years ago. Despite key eyewitness testimony, the trial court had acquitted the accused, prompting an appeal.

In its verdict, the High Court held, "The nature of injuries proves that the accused had the intention and knowledge of murdering the deceased. His case will fall in the first and second clause to Section 300 of IPC." Consequently, the accused was sentenced to undergo rigorous imprisonment for life and fined Rs. 5,000.

Author: Anushka Taraniya

News writer, MIT ADT University