In a significant move to enhance transparency and accountability within the judiciary, the Supreme Court of India has directed all High Courts to submit detailed reports concerning the dates of pronouncement and subsequent uploading of judgments. This directive, issued by a bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and N. Kotiswar Singh, underscores the apex court's commitment to ensuring timely dissemination of judicial decisions, thereby reinforcing the principles of open justice.
The impetus for this directive stems from concerns over delays between the pronouncement of judgments and their availability to the public. The Supreme Court emphasized the necessity for High Courts to provide comprehensive data detailing the exact dates when judgments were pronounced and when they were made accessible online. This information is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the judicial process and for upholding the rights of litigants to receive timely information regarding their cases.
This directive aligns with the Supreme Court's broader efforts to address systemic inefficiencies within the judicial system. Previously, the Court had called upon High Courts to furnish information about cases where judgments had been reserved but not yet delivered, particularly those pending since before January 31, 2025. Such measures are indicative of the judiciary's proactive stance in addressing delays that can undermine public confidence in the legal system.
The issue of delayed judgment uploads has been a recurring concern. In a notable instance, the Supreme Court criticized the Bombay High Court for not uploading a reasoned order even a month after its pronouncement. The apex court highlighted that such delays could lead to confusion and impede the litigants' ability to seek timely remedies. Similarly, the Court expressed disapproval over a case where a High Court judge failed to provide reasons for a dismissal pronounced over a year prior, emphasizing that such practices are detrimental to the judicial process.
In the present matter, the Supreme Court addressed a petition filed by M/S Marion Biotech Pvt Ltd against the High Court of Judicature at Allahabad. The petitioner contended that the High Court had reserved judgment in July 2024 after extensive arguments but had yet to deliver a decision. The Supreme Court, acknowledging the gravity of the situation, requested the concerned judge of the Allahabad High Court to take appropriate remedial steps and tagged the case with other similar matters to ensure a cohesive approach to resolving such delays.
These directives are part of a broader initiative by the Supreme Court to modernize and digitize the judicial process. The Court has been advocating for the digitization of records, live streaming of proceedings, and real-time updates on case statuses to enhance accessibility and efficiency. By mandating High Courts to report on judgment pronouncements and uploads, the Supreme Court aims to foster a culture of promptness and transparency, thereby strengthening the public's trust in the judiciary.
In conclusion, the Supreme Court's directive serves as a critical reminder of the judiciary's responsibility to deliver timely justice. By holding High Courts accountable for delays in judgment pronouncements and uploads, the apex court reinforces the foundational principle that justice delayed is justice denied. This initiative is a commendable step towards ensuring that the judicial system remains responsive, transparent, and aligned with the expectations of the society it serves.
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