Fast track criminal justice system, suggests SC

The Supreme Court on Friday told the central government to take steps to fast-track criminal justice system so that cases can be decided expeditiously instead of lingering for years.

The apex court bench headed by Chief Justice RM Lodha said the creation of additional courts coupled with relative judicial infrastructure should be substantial and not just symbolic.

The apex court suggested a meeting of law secretaries and chief secretaries of all the states be convened for taking a comprehensive look at the problem to arrive at a concrete solution.

The court's observation came in the course of hearing a petition filed by National Panthers Party chief Bhim Singh, who sought the release of Pakistani prisoners who have already completed their sentences but were still languishing in jail.