Speedy trial on paper, justice delayed for 1.85 lakh cases

Nearly five decades ago, the

Supreme Court

underscored that justice delayed is justice denied, holding that the right to a speedy trial is an integral part of the fundamental right to life and personal liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution.
Building on this principle, a division bench of the apex court earlier this month held that regardless of the gravity of the offence, including murder, courts must consider granting bail when an accused person’s right to a speedy trial has been violated due to delays attributable to the judiciary or the prosecution.