In a remarkable development, the Jharkhand High Court has pronounced verdicts in 10 criminal appeals, including six death penalty cases, within a week after the convicts approached the Supreme Court of India, citing inordinate delays. Some of these judgments had been reserved for years, raising serious concerns about judicial delays.
Key Takeaways:
- 10 verdicts pronounced by Jharkhand High Court in a week after SC’s intervention.
- 6 death row convicts among those whose appeals were pending for years.
- Supreme Court pushes for free legal aid and remission appeals for convicts.
- SC emphasizes judicial accountability and plans to set mandatory guidelines to prevent delays.
SC Takes Cognizance of Delay
On July 14, 2025, the Supreme Court agreed to examine the plea of the death row convicts who complained about the prolonged wait for decisions on their appeals. The apex court sought responses from both the state government of Jharkhand and the High Court within a week.
A bench led by Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi heard the matter on July 21. Advocate Fauzia Shakil, representing the convicts, informed the court that the High Court had finally delivered judgments in all pending cases on different dates in mid-July.
Release Orders for Life Convicts
The Supreme Court noted that in the cases of Amit Kumar Das and Basant Kumar Mahto, both serving life sentences, the Jharkhand High Court had set aside their convictions on July 16 and July 18, respectively. While Das was released, Mahato remained behind bars as his judgment had not yet been uploaded. The apex court directed the state authorities to release Basant Kumar Mahto immediately, subject to furnishing bail bonds.
Legal Aid for Convicts
The bench also issued directions for free legal aid to other convicts, including Nirmal Bhengra (whose appeal was dismissed on July 18) and death row convict Nitesh Sahu, to help them seek remedies such as appeal or remission.
In the case of Sanatan Baski and Sukhlal Murmu, both on death row, the High Court’s judgment delivered on July 17 reflected a split verdict, leading the matter to be referred to a third judge. The Supreme Court has urged the newly appointed Chief Justice of Jharkhand High Court to prioritize these matters and deliver final judgments at the earliest.
Death Row Convicts’ Appeals Dismissed
For three other death row convicts—Gandhi Oraon, Rohit Rai, and Bandhan Oraon—the High Court dismissed their appeals on July 18. The apex court directed the Jharkhand State Legal Services Authority (JHALSA) to assist these convicts in approaching the Supreme Court or filing petitions for remission.
Pending Appeals and Judicial Accountability
The Supreme Court also highlighted the case of Pratap Sahi, a life convict whose sentence had already been suspended while his appeal awaited a verdict. Out of the 10 convicts, nine were lodged in Birsa Munda Central Jail, Ranchi, while one was in Dumka Central Jail.
The top court has called for detailed reports from all High Courts regarding cases where judgments were reserved for years but remained undecided. The matter is now posted for further hearing on September 22, 2025.
SC Warns Against Judicial Delays
Earlier on May 5, the Supreme Court expressed serious concern over delayed pronouncements by various High Courts, terming it a “very disturbing issue.” It directed all High Courts to submit reports on cases where judgments were reserved on or before January 31, 2025, and hinted at framing mandatory guidelines to ensure timely delivery of verdicts