India SC Plans National Timeline for Framing Charges to Curb Trial Delays

The Indian Supreme Court indicated that it may frame pan-India guidelines to ensure trial courts adhere to a specific time frame for framing charges in criminal cases, in an effort to curb prolonged trial delays.

A Bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and N.V. Anjaria made the observation while hearing a bail plea filed by Aman Kumar, an undertrial lodged in jail since August 2024 in a robbery and attempted murder case. The police had filed the chargesheet on September 30, 2024.

Kumar argued that he had been falsely implicated, claiming the police relied on inadmissible statements. His bail pleas were earlier rejected by both the trial court in October 2024 and the Patna High Court in March 2025, prompting him to move the Supreme Court.

Taking note of the delay in framing charges, the apex court said such practices could not be allowed to continue. “We see three to four years taken to draft charges. The moment the chargesheet is filed, charges should be framed. Some may be discharged, that is fine. But trial cannot be delayed,” the Bench observed.

The Court appointed Senior Advocate Sidharth Luthra as amicus curiae to assist in the matter and directed that the case papers be forwarded to the Attorney General of India for his views.

“We propose to pass directions, if necessary, to all courts across the country,” the Bench stated.

For any enquiries please fill out this form, or contact info@thelawreporters.com and  Follow  The Law Reporters on WhatsApp Channels