Islamabad (Urdu Point / Pakistan Point News – 14 March 2026) As many as 351 cases have remained pending for more than five years in Indian Jammu and Kashmir was illegally occupied, prompting the Indian Supreme Court to express grave concern over prolonged delays in criminal trials in India.
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According to the Kashmir Media Service, the Supreme Court criticized the unacceptable delay, insisted that on-trial prisoners cannot be kept in detention indefinitely, and asked the authorities to submit a concrete plan to expedite pending trials.
The court stressed the urgent need for a practical road map to resolve the backlog of cases and ensure speedy justice in the region.
The observations were made by a bench comprising Justice JP Pardiwala and Justice KV Viswanathan while examining the affidavit filed by Principal Secretary (Home) Chandraker Bharti. The affidavit stated that 351 cases involving 585 accused remained pending in courts across Jammu and Kashmir for more than five years.
According to the details presented before the court, 235 cases are currently in the stage of recording oral evidence of prosecution witnesses.
In addition, 14 cases are in the data registration stage under Article 313 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 34 cases are awaiting final pleadings, six cases are in the adjudication stage, and two cases are still in the accusation or evidentiary stage.
The court questioned the reasons behind this prolonged delay and wondered why witnesses were not brought for questioning on time. Justice Pardiwala observed that once charges are framed, trial courts are expected to record evidence immediately and complete the proceedings without unnecessary delay.
The court noted that much of the delay appeared to stem from the failure of prosecution agencies to produce witnesses before the courts, adding that such reasons could not justify lengthy trials.
The Supreme Court directive underscores the urgent need to address the justice backlog in Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, sending a clear message that prolonged delays in criminal trials are intolerable and that immediate action is needed to uphold the rights of on-trial prisoners.