The Supreme Court on Friday directed Aakriti Chaudhary, a student arrested in connection with the Noida violence, to approach the Allahabad High Court for relief. A bench comprising Justices BV Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan observed that a staggering 93,000 cases are currently pending in the apex court, underscoring the need for litigants to first exhaust remedies at the high court level.
Background of the case
Aakriti Chaudhary was arrested by the Uttar Pradesh Police for her alleged involvement in the violence that erupted in Noida earlier this year. The student had moved the Supreme Court seeking bail and other reliefs, arguing that her arrest was politically motivated and that she had been falsely implicated. However, the bench was not inclined to entertain the plea directly.
Court's observations
Justice Nagarathna, speaking for the bench, emphasized the heavy backlog of cases in the Supreme Court. She stated, "We have 93,000 cases pending. It is not possible for us to hear every matter directly. The high courts are equally competent to adjudicate these issues." The court also noted that the Allahabad High Court is well-equipped to handle the matter and that the petitioner should first seek recourse there.
Counsel's response
Senior advocate representing Chaudhary argued that the case involved urgent issues of personal liberty and that the high court might not be able to provide timely relief. However, the bench remained firm, stating that the high court would consider the matter expeditiously if approached.
Implications
The Supreme Court's decision highlights the growing concern over judicial backlog in India. With over 93,000 cases pending, the apex court has been urging litigants to first approach high courts for relief. Legal experts suggest that this approach could help streamline the judicial process and reduce the burden on the Supreme Court.
Next steps
Chaudhary's counsel confirmed that they would now approach the Allahabad High Court. The high court is expected to hear the matter in the coming days. The Supreme Court has not set any timeline for the high court's decision but has expressed confidence in its ability to deliver justice.
The case has drawn significant attention, with many questioning the pace of justice in the country. The Supreme Court's observation serves as a reminder of the systemic challenges facing the Indian judiciary.
