The Supreme Court on Monday reserved orders for issuing directions aimed at strengthening institutional transparency and accountability in the judiciary.

The case arose from petitions filed by convicted persons whose criminal appeals before the Jharkhand High Court had been heard years earlier, but judgments were not delivered, prompting them to approach the Supreme Court seeking directions for the pronouncement of the verdicts.

Earlier in September, 2025, the Court had directed all High Courts to ensure that reasoned judgments are uploaded promptly when only the operative portion of the order is pronounced. The Court observed that:

“In respect of the judgments where only the operative part has been pronounced… the reasons ought to be uploaded within five days… however the timeline may be revised to ten or fifteen days (maximum).”

During the latest hearing, the Bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi reserved orders for issuing further directions after circulating the proposed suggestions among stakeholders.

The Court indicated that the amicus curiae Ms. Fauzia Shakil will circulate the proposed framework, and stakeholders may offer suggestions or highlight practical difficulties before the Court finalises guidelines. The Bench clarified that the exercise is institutional and not directed at any individual judge, noting that the objective is to improve transparency and strengthen judicial functioning.

“We are not targeting anything. It is for enhancing accountability and strengthening the institution. No individual is being targeted.”

The Court also acknowledged feedback suggesting that High Courts have already begun speeding up the pronouncement of judgments after the issue was raised before the Supreme Court. However, the CJI emphasised that while systemic improvements are necessary, the judiciary must also recognise the dedication of judges working under heavy caseloads.

“Sometimes, out of our anxiety and dedication to dispose of many cases, we create an unmanageable situation. But that dedication is something we must appreciate. As an institution, we will never condemn it; we appreciate the effort. At the same time, we would request our brother judges in the system to regulate themselves. Ultimately, everyone has only 24 hours in a day. How much time one requires for oneself and for the system is something they will have to evolve. We cannot condemn them for working so hard. The amount of dedication they are showing is truly remarkable.”

The Court has reserved its order after directing that the proposed suggestions be circulated to the Registrar Generals of all High Courts, seeking their responses on the recommendations and any practical difficulties in implementation.

The Court said the High Courts may submit their additional suggestions or concerns within the stipulated time, after which the Supreme Court will consider issuing final directions aimed at ensuring timely pronouncement and uploading of judgments across High Courts.

Also Read- https://thebarbulletin.com/supreme-court-uniform-guidelines-timely-pronouncement-reserved-judgments/