Ujjwal Nikam flags delay in acquittal appeals, seeks timely justice
Nikam cited a Supreme Court observation that as of March 25, 2025 more than seven lakh criminal appeals remained pending in high courts
Rajya Sabha MP and seasoned prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam voiced alarm over the lag in processing appeals challenging acquittals, warning that the lack of prompt justice could leave an innocent individual trapped in a case indefinitely. Nikam contended that an erroneous acquittal would allow a dangerous individual to relive freedom, while a just acquittal would leave an innocent person shadowed by an unending legal battle, unable to progress in life.
The public prosecutor stressed that the criminal justice system rests on two fundamental pillars – fair trials and timely resolutions. He warned that if either pillar falters, the entire system risks collapse. Nikam highlighted Section 419 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, which empowers both the state and the complainant to contest a court's acquittal if the trial court made a significant legal blunder or misinterpreted evidence.
He pointed out that according to a Supreme Court estimate as of March 25, 2025, over seven lakh criminal appeals remained unresolved in high courts, a significant number of which were challenges to acquittals. Nikam argued that while scientific evidence and courageous witness testimonies are invaluable, they can sometimes fall short due to the prolonged delay in hearing acquittal appeals. He concluded that the state has a duty to ensure timely justice, given its significant role in criminal administration.
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