“Tarikh Pe Tarikh”: Allahabad High Court Slams Systemic Failures Behind Delayed Justice in Uttar Pradesh
By Rajesh Pandey
Invoking the iconic dialogue from the 1993 Bollywood film Damini — “Tarikh pe tarikh milti hai, lekin insaaf nahi” — the Allahabad High Court delivered a sharp and deeply introspective commentary on the broken state of criminal justice delivery in Uttar Pradesh.
The court observed that the endless adjournments and delays faced by ordinary litigants are not merely the result of inefficiency within the judiciary, but stem largely from systemic failures involving the state government, police machinery and inadequate forensic infrastructure.
Justice Arun Kumar Singh Deshwal made these observations while rejecting the bail plea of Mevalal Prajapati, a murder accused from Fatehpur district.
During the hearing, the court uncovered glaring lapses in investigation procedures, prompting a wider examination of the structural problems crippling district courts across the state.
The case involved the recovery of a blood-stained screwdriver allegedly used in the crime.
However, despite the crucial nature of the evidence, the investigating officer failed to seek DNA matching from the forensic science laboratory to determine whether the blood belonged to the deceased.
Troubled by this lapse, the court had earlier summoned the Director General of Police (DGP), the Home Secretary and the Director of the Uttar Pradesh Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL).
During proceedings, the FSL director informed the court that although Uttar Pradesh currently has twelve functioning forensic laboratories, only eight are equipped with DNA profiling facilities.
The laboratories are struggling with severe shortages of trained personnel, outdated machinery and inadequate forensic infrastructure, causing massive delays in scientific reports critical to criminal trials.
The High Court observed that delayed justice cannot be blamed solely on judicial officers.
It noted that many young judges enter the judiciary with honesty, commitment and a genuine desire to deliver justice, but soon find themselves overwhelmed by a dysfunctional system.
According to the court, judicial officers are often left helpless due to insufficient staff, lack of stenographers and clerical support, delayed forensic reports and poor cooperation from the police in executing summons, warrants and producing witnesses before courts.
The bench remarked that many judges become frustrated because, despite their willingness to work efficiently, they are unable to function effectively in the absence of basic administrative support.
The court added that even the High Court’s powers are limited when the executive fails to provide the necessary infrastructure and manpower required for the smooth functioning of district courts.
In a particularly strong observation, the court warned that delays in the criminal justice system embolden offenders and weaken public faith in the rule of law. It noted that many criminals continue committing offences without fear because cases drag on for years.
Referring to data published by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), the court pointed out that nearly 49 percent of ministers in the Uttar Pradesh government are facing criminal cases, while 44 percent are accused in serious criminal matters.
The court also drew attention to the growing security concerns faced by judicial officers. It observed that judges frequently encounter intimidation, open threats inside courtrooms and subtle harassment in public spaces from hardened criminals and their associates.
Unlike states such as Punjab and Haryana, where judicial officers are provided personal security officers (PSOs), judges in Uttar Pradesh often function without adequate protection.
The court said this atmosphere can adversely affect fearless judicial functioning, especially in sensitive criminal matters involving hardened offenders.
Taking serious note of these systemic shortcomings, the High Court issued a series of directions aimed at improving the functioning of the criminal justice system in Uttar Pradesh.
The court directed the state government to urgently consider increasing staff strength and improving infrastructure in district courts in view of the massive pendency of cases.
It also asked the government to examine the feasibility of making the Uttar Pradesh FSL an autonomous body under the Home Department, in line with recommendations made by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.
Further, the state government was directed to fill vacancies in forensic laboratories and provide modern scientific equipment within one year.
The police department was instructed to ensure proper training of investigating officers in the collection and preservation of forensic evidence.
The DGP was also directed to issue statewide instructions requiring investigating officers to seek DNA matching reports whenever blood-stained weapons or clothes are sent for forensic examination.
Additionally, district police chiefs and commissioners have been asked to personally attend monthly monitoring meetings chaired by district judges to improve coordination between police and the judiciary.
On the administrative side, the court directed the Judicial Training and Research Institute (JTRI) to sensitize judicial officers regarding provisions of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) Rules, 2024, and the newly introduced E-Processes Rules, 2026, particularly concerning electronic summons, e-warrants and digital transmission of court processes.
In one of the most significant directions, the High Court ordered that a copy of its judgment dated May 7 be placed before the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh for immediate consideration and necessary action.
The judgment stands out not only for its criticism of institutional failures but also for its rare acknowledgment of the immense pressure and vulnerability faced by trial court judges.
By quoting a dialogue etched into public memory, the court effectively captured the frustration of millions who continue to wait years — sometimes decades — for justice that often arrives too late.
