If State Presumes Guilt, Speedy Trial Also Must Be Ensured; Supreme Court Flags UAPA Trials Delay, Asks HCs To Monitor

The article reports that the Supreme Court flagged concerns over prolonged delays in trials under UAPA and similar special statutes, observing that if the state proceeds on a presumption of guilt, the justice system must reciprocally ensure speedy trial and disposal of cases. The Court called upon High Courts to proactively monitor pendency of UAPA matters, frame time-bound protocols for hearings, and prevent undue incarceration without timely adjudication. This reaffirms the constitutional guarantee of a fair and speedy trial, even in cases involving stringent security legislation, and places responsibility on judiciary and prosecutorial agencies for case management to prevent undue delays and protect liberty interests.