The Allahabad High Court has made sharp observations on delays in criminal trials, pointing to police inaction, shortage of forensic staff, and weak court infrastructure as major reasons behind mounting pendency in district courts across Uttar Pradesh.
While hearing a bail application in a murder case, Justice Arun Kumar Singh Deshwal also issued a series of directions to the State Government, Director General of Police (DGP), and forensic authorities aimed at improving criminal justice administration in the state.
Background Of The Case
The matter arose from a bail plea filed by Mevalal Prajapati in connection with a case registered at Husenganj Police Station in Fatehpur district under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The prosecution alleged that the accused was linked to the disappearance and death of an e-rickshaw driver.
According to the prosecution, the applicant was traced through call detail records, and an e-rickshaw belonging to the deceased was allegedly recovered at his instance. A blood-stained screwdriver was also recovered later and sent for forensic examination.
During earlier hearings, the Court noticed that although the screwdriver had been sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), investigators failed to seek DNA matching of the blood found on the weapon with the deceased or the accused. This prompted the Court to summon senior forensic and police officials.
Court Examines Systemic Delays
During the hearing, the Director of the Uttar Pradesh FSL informed the Court that the state laboratories were struggling with shortage of staff and lack of advanced forensic equipment. He also stated that only eight out of twelve FSLs in Uttar Pradesh currently have DNA profiling facilities.
The Court was further told that the FSL still functions under the police department and is not an autonomous body, making administrative decisions and procurement slower.
The DGP assured the Court that directions would be issued to investigating officers to seek DNA matching reports whenever blood-stained weapons or clothes are sent for forensic testing. He also informed the bench that police officers would record verified mobile numbers, email IDs, and messaging application details of accused persons and witnesses during investigation for use in electronic summons under the BNSS Rules and E-Processes Rules, 2026.
Strong Remarks On Criminal Case Pendency
Justice Deshwal observed that non-execution of court processes, shortage of ministerial staff, delayed forensic reports, and absence of witnesses were among the major causes of criminal case backlog in district courts.
“The main reason for pendency of cases in district courts is not the capability of the judicial officers but shortage of staff, non-execution of court’s process by the police and delay as well as incomplete FSL report,” the Court noted.
The Court also remarked that delays in criminal trials allow habitual offenders to continue public life without conclusion of pending cases. However, the bench stopped short of making any finding against individuals and confined its remarks to systemic concerns.
Directions Issued By The Court
The High Court directed the State Government to consider providing additional court staff and infrastructure, filling vacancies in FSLs within one year, and examining the feasibility of granting personal security officers to all district judges.
The Court further directed the DGP to ensure personal attendance of district police chiefs in monitoring meetings chaired by district judges and to strengthen execution of electronic summons and warrants under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita framework.
Bail Plea Rejected
On the merits of the case, the Court noted that the applicant’s mobile location allegedly placed him near the crime scene and that the recovery of the blood-stained screwdriver and e-rickshaw supported the prosecution case at this stage.
Rejecting the bail plea, the Court said it was “not inclined to grant bail” considering the material placed before it.
Case Details
Case Title: Mevalal Prajapati vs State of U.P.
Case Number: Criminal Misc. Bail Application No. 11476 of 2026
Judge: Justice Arun Kumar Singh Deshwal
Decision Date: May 7, 2026
