New Delhi: The Supreme Court has issued a set of directions to States, High Courts and trial courts aimed at ensuring speedy investigation and trial in cases relating to dowry harassment, dowry death and other matrimonial offences. The Court stressed that such cases should not remain pending for years and that the practice of repeated adjournments, or “date after date”, must be avoided.
The directions emphasise that once an accused is produced before the court, proceedings should move forward without unnecessary delay. The Court has called for chargesheets to be filed within the prescribed period, with the newspaper report highlighting a target of 60 to 90 days in appropriate cases, so that the trial can commence at the earliest possible stage.
The Supreme Court has also directed authorities to strengthen assistance mechanisms for victims, including women help desks and complaint-handling systems. It called for greater public awareness regarding dowry, child marriage and women’s legal rights, along with stronger institutional support for those approaching the authorities.
The Court further stressed the need to review older pending cases. Cases that have remained pending for several years should receive regular attention so that they do not continue indefinitely. High Courts have also been asked to examine old appeals, revisions and bail matters and take appropriate steps for their early disposal.
To improve judicial monitoring, the directions include the use of digital dashboards and automated alerts for tracking older cases. Police authorities have also been made accountable for timely investigation and submission of chargesheets, with responsibility extending to investigating officers and other officials concerned.
The Supreme Court has additionally emphasised that mediation may be considered in appropriate matrimonial disputes where settlement is legally and practically possible. At the same time, the Court made clear that the objective is to ensure that genuine criminal proceedings are not unnecessarily delayed.
The directions also envisage periodic reporting by High Courts and State authorities so that the progress of pending cases can be monitored. The overall thrust of the Supreme Court’s directions is to make the investigation and trial process more efficient, reduce avoidable adjournments and ensure timely justice in dowry-related and matrimonial cases.
