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The Nyaya Sanhita: A Legislative Reform to Speed Up Justice Delivery
The Nyaya Sanhita is a crucial legislative initiative aimed at reforming the judicial system in India to ensure faster, fairer, and more efficient delivery of justice. By establishing clear timelines for critical stages of investigation and trial, the law addresses the long-standing issue of delayed justice. Special attention is given to the protection of women, children, and marginalized communities, ensuring that justice is both timely and equitable.
Key Features of the Nyaya Sanhita for Swift Justice
Timely Completion of Investigations and Trials One of the central provisions of the Nyaya Sanhita is the introduction of strict time limits for key stages in legal
proceedings:
Preliminary Enquiry: Must be completed within 14 days.
Investigation: Should be concluded within 90 days.
Document Provision: All documents must be made available to both the victim and the accused within 14 days.
Commitment of Case for Trial: This must occur within 90 days.
Discharge Applications: Must be filed within 60 days.
Framing of Charges: To be completed within 60 days.
Judgment Pronouncement: A judgment must be delivered within 45 days of the trial's conclusion.
Filing of Mercy Petitions: These must be submitted 30 days before the Governor and 60 days before the President.
These time limits aim to eliminate delays at various stages of the legal process, ensuring swift and efficient case resolution.
Fast-Track Investigations for Sensitive Cases The Nyaya Sanhita places special emphasis on expediting investigations, particularly in cases involving vulnerable groups like women and children.
For crimes against women and children, investigations must be completed within two months of registering the complaint. This ensures that justice is delivered without undue delays, addressing the urgent needs of victims and promoting their safety.
Restricting Court Adjournments A significant reform under the Nyaya Sanhita is the limitation on adjournments in courts. In an effort to prevent unnecessary delays and misuse of legal processes, the law permits a maximum of two adjournments per case. This helps to maintain the momentum of legal proceedings and reduces the possibility of prolonged litigation.
Establishment of Time-Bound Procedures The Nyaya Sanhita also establishes structured, time-bound procedures for various aspects of the judicial process. By setting clear deadlines, the law creates an environment in which all parties—investigators, courts, and litigants—are compelled to adhere to prescribed timelines:
Preliminary Enquiry: 14 days
Investigation: 90 days
Document Supply: 14 days
Commitment for Trial: 90 days
Discharge Applications: 60 days
Charge Framing: 60 days
Judgment Pronouncement: 45 days
Mercy Petitions: 30 days (Governor), 60 days (President)
Addressing Backlog and Restoring Confidence
The Nyaya Sanhita seeks to address the long-standing problem of case backlogs in India's judicial system. By reducing unnecessary delays, it aims to enhance public trust in the legal system, providing a clear pathway to justice for all. This is especially important for marginalized and vulnerable communities, ensuring that their grievances are addressed in a timely manner.
Conclusion
The Nyaya Sanhita is a comprehensive reform that aims to streamline judicial processes and reduce the time it takes for cases to be resolved. With a focus on timely investigations, limited adjournments, and fast-track procedures, this legislation is designed to bring about significant improvements in the Indian justice system, ultimately leading to quicker and fairer justice for all.