Apex Court Orders Records from Rajasthan High Court and State Authorities to Investigate Delay in Sensitive Criminal Revision Petition
In a pivotal judgment addressing delays in the judicial system, the Supreme Court of India has expressed grave concern over the 23-year delay in the disposal of a Criminal Revision Petition involving the sensitive issue of dowry death. The case, Vijay Kumar v. State of Rajasthan, highlights the systemic issues plaguing the Indian judicial system, particularly in cases of serious offences.
The petitioners, including Vijay Kumar and six of his family members, were accused under Sections 498A and 304B of the Indian Penal Code following the death of Deepa, Vijay Kumar's wife, under mysterious circumstances within a year of their marriage. The First Information Report, lodged by Deepa's brother in 2002, alleged harassment and murder by poisoning for dowry demands.
Despite the gravity of the accusations, the High Court stayed further trial proceedings in 2003, only to take up the revision petition for hearing in 2023, a delay of 20 years. The High Court eventually dismissed the petition in 2025, prompting the petitioners to approach the Supreme Court.
In a stern order, the Supreme Court has condoned the delay but dismissed the petition. However, it has directed a thorough inquiry into the reasons behind such a prolonged delay in hearing the petition, which challenged the framing of charges. The Apex Court has called upon the Registrar General of the Rajasthan High Court to submit detailed records of Criminal Revision Petitions filed between 2001 and 2026, including specifics on how many were filed and disposed of each year.
Highlighting the broader implications, the Supreme Court emphasized that justice should not be delayed, especially in serious offences like dowry death, murder, and rape. The Court urged Chief Justices of all High Courts to prioritize and expedite cases where interim orders are holding up trials, stating that delays undermine the justice system and affect all parties involved.
The Court has also sought explanations from the State of Rajasthan regarding its inaction over the years and its failure as the prosecuting agency to expedite the hearing of the revision petition.
This landmark order underscores the Supreme Court's commitment to ensuring timely justice and addressing procedural inefficiencies that impact the delivery of justice in India. The case is set to be listed again on January 15, 2026, for further orders once the High Court's records are reviewed.
Statutory provision(s): Indian Penal Code, 1860 Sections 498A, 304B; Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 Sections 397, 401
Vijay Kumar v. State of Rajasthan, (SC) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2834984
