#Speedy Justice

The Kerala High Court has directed Family Courts to decide maintenance petitions under Section 125 CrPC within four months, overriding the Supreme Court’s general ban on time-bound disposal to safeguard the fundamental right to life and dignity of destitute women. This ruling establishes a precedent that Article 21 can justify exceptional judicial intervention in family law delays, directly impacting thousands of vulnerable litigants awaiting basic economic support.

Calcutta High Court ruled that prolonged tribunal delays violate the right to speedy justice under Article 21, especially for elderly litigants. The court directed the West Bengal Land Reforms Tribunal to dispose of a 2023 case within six months, emphasizing that complete records and advanced age necessitate expedited proceedings.

The Karnataka High Court ruled that delaying interim maintenance applications for over two years infringes Article 21, mandating economic security for dependents. The court directed the Family Court to dispose of the pending application within four weeks, emphasizing that procedural delays cannot override fundamental rights.

Andhra Pradesh High Court directs trial court to expedite pending maintenance case, prohibits casual adjournments and mandates progress reporting to ensure timely justice.

The High Court of Telangana directs disposal of pending final reports within four months, affirming that undue delay in criminal proceedings violates Article 21 and the right to speedy justice.