CJI Surya Kant Urges Expeditious UAPA Trials, Seeks More Special Courts

New Delhi, Jul 13 (KNN) Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant has stressed the need for the expeditious completion of trials in cases under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), saying timely adjudication would address concerns over prolonged incarceration of undertrials and the non-grant of bail.

CJI Calls For Faster Trials In UAPA Cases

Responding to a question on criticism over delays in granting bail to undertrials in UAPA cases, the CJI, without referring to any specific individual or case, said the issue could be addressed through faster trials.

He said the judiciary has urged the Union government to establish exclusive special courts for cases under the UAPA, Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, adding that the government has begun setting up such courts.

According to the CJI, if trials in these cases can be concluded within a year or in an expeditious manner, concerns regarding prolonged detention of accused persons are likely to diminish.

Pendency Remains Judiciary's Biggest Challenge

Addressing broader judicial challenges, Justice Kant identified the growing pendency of cases as the foremost issue facing the judiciary. As of Saturday, pending cases in trial courts had crossed 5.05 crore, including around 1.1 crore civil and 3.9 crore criminal cases.

He also emphasised the need to reduce the perceived distance between the Supreme Court and ordinary citizens, stating that greater access to legal assistance and improved public confidence in the judicial process are essential.

The CJI noted that the quality of free legal aid has improved over the past year through the empanelment of competent lawyers to assist economically weaker litigants.

CJI Seeks Stronger Leadership For Tribunals

Justice Kant further highlighted the need to strengthen the credibility of tribunals, including the National Green Tribunal (NGT), National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT), Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) and Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT).

He expressed concern that revised service conditions have discouraged many retired judges from leading tribunals and urged former judges with strong professional records to head these institutions in the interest of strengthening public confidence in quasi-judicial bodies.

Impact on MSMEs

The Chief Justice’s emphasis on faster trials and stronger tribunals could benefit MSMEs by improving the speed and efficiency of dispute resolution, particularly in forums such as the NCLT, NCLAT and ITAT. 

Quicker adjudication and enhanced tribunal credibility can reduce litigation delays, improve business certainty, and lower legal costs for small enterprises.

(KNN Bureau)