In a significant order highlighting the issue of prolonged criminal trials, the Supreme Court expressed serious concern over the extraordinary delay in the prosecution and appeal of a murder case dating back to 1981. The Court sought comprehensive reports from the State of Jharkhand and the Jharkhand High Court explaining how the trial and subsequent appeal remained pending for decades.

A Bench comprising Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Justice K. Vinod Chandran was hearing a Special Leave Petition filed by Simon Soren challenging the judgment of the Jharkhand High Court affirming his conviction in a murder case.

Trial Took 22 Years to Conclude

The Court noted that although the alleged offence occurred in 1981, the Trial Court delivered its judgment only in 2002, after nearly 22 years.

Expressing its dismay, the Bench observed:

"We fail to understand, why it took 22 years for the Trial Court to complete the trial."

The Court also pointed out that the petitioner's statement under Section 313 of the Code of Criminal Procedure had been recorded in 1994, yet the Trial Court pronounced judgment only in 2002, indicating an unexplained delay of nearly eight years even after the evidence had substantially concluded.

High Court Also Took 22 Years to Decide Appeal

The Supreme Court further observed that the criminal appeal filed against the conviction remained pending before the Jharkhand High Court for another 22 years before it was finally decided in 2024.

Calling the overall delay "very disturbing," the Bench remarked that such prolonged pendency in criminal proceedings required a detailed explanation.

Reports Sought from State and High Court

The Supreme Court directed both the State of Jharkhand and the Jharkhand High Court to file comprehensive reports explaining:

• Why the criminal trial remained pending for approximately 22 years;

• Why the criminal appeal also took about 22 years to be decided; and

• The circumstances responsible for such extraordinary judicial delay.

The reports have been directed to be filed within two weeks.

Medical Report Also Ordered

Counsel for the petitioner informed the Court that Simon Soren, now nearly 70 years old, is suffering from multiple comorbidities and is presently admitted to the jail hospital.

Taking note of the submission, the Bench directed the concerned hospital authorities to submit a report detailing:

• The petitioner's present medical condition;

• The ailments from which he is suffering; and

• The treatment presently being provided to him.

Next Hearing

The Supreme Court has issued notice in the matter and listed the case for further hearing on 19 August 2026, when it will consider the reports from the State Government, the High Court, and the medical authorities.