SC flags delays in framing of charges in criminal cases, weighs pan-India guidelines, Pg11.

Key Highlights:

• The Supreme Court has expressed concern over delays in framing charges in criminal cases after chargesheets are filed.
• The court intends to issue pan-India guidelines to address the issue of delayed charge framing.
• Section 251 (B) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) mandates charge framing within 60 days of the first hearing in sessions court cases.
• The court was hearing a bail plea of a man who has been in custody for over a year without charges being framed.

Detailed Insights:

• The Supreme Court bench noted that the delay in framing charges is a primary reason for trial delays across the country.
• The court seeks assistance from the Attorney General and Solicitor General to formulate effective guidelines.
• The issue of delayed charge framing is prevalent in multiple states, including Bihar and Maharashtra.
• The proposed guidelines aim to ensure timely justice and reduce the burden on undertrial prisoners.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Charge Framing: The process by which a court formally states the charges against an accused person.
• Chargesheet: A formal police report listing the charges against a person accused of a crime.
• Bail Plea: An application to the court requesting the release of an accused person on bail.