Lahore (HRNW): Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court Justice Aalia Neelum has directed that cases involving accused persons who have remained in custody for more than three years be heard on a priority basis and decided within two months.
Following the Chief Justice’s direction, letters have been issued to the Sessions Judges of 28 districts across Punjab, instructing them to fast-track pending cases involving accused persons who have been in custody for more than three years.
The Sessions Judges have been directed to give priority to such cases and ensure that they are decided within the prescribed two-month period.
Justice Aalia Neelum has also sought implementation reports regarding cases involving accused persons who have remained in custody for more than three years.
The District Judiciary has been instructed to accelerate proceedings in long-pending cases involving detained accused persons and prevent unnecessary adjournments.
Timely Justice and Human Rights
HRNW notes that preventing prolonged detention without a timely conclusion of proceedings is an important aspect of the right to justice and a fair trial. Keeping an accused person in custody for an excessively long period while the case remains pending can raise serious concerns regarding due process and fundamental rights.
The Lahore High Court’s directive may help reduce unnecessary delays, address the backlog of long-pending cases and ensure that detained accused persons receive timely judicial determination.
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Disclaimer: This report is based on the information provided regarding the judicial directive. Every accused person is presumed innocent unless proven guilty by a court and is entitled to a fair trial and due process of law.
