The Gauhati High Court has strongly criticized the Assam government for its inaction in expediting criminal proceedings against elected representatives. On August 7, 2025, the court directed the Public Prosecutor to submit a detailed roadmap for fast-tracking these cases.
The court has set a deadline of August 20, 2025, for the state to present its plan. The directive aims to address the prolonged delay in resolving criminal cases involving Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs).
High Court Calls for Accountability
During the hearing, the Gauhati High Court expressed serious concern over the lack of progress in cases pending for years. The bench, led by Chief Justice Vijay Bishnoi, questioned the Public Prosecutor’s Office and the State Government for their failure to take decisive action.
The court stated that such delays not only undermine public trust but also hamper the democratic process. It stressed that lawmakers should be held accountable under the same legal framework as ordinary citizens.
According to court records, dozens of criminal cases involving sitting and former MPs and MLAs remain pending across various districts of Assam. The court noted that some of these cases have seen no movement for over five years.
Deadline Set for Action Plan
The court instructed the Assam Public Prosecutor to file an affidavit that outlines a concrete action plan. This includes specific timelines for investigation, charge framing, and trial proceedings.
The state must also explain the reasons for delays in each individual case. The roadmap is expected to detail coordination between police, prosecutors, and the judiciary to ensure faster resolution.
The High Court made it clear that further inaction would not be tolerated. “The people of Assam have a right to see justice being delivered swiftly and fairly,” the bench observed.
Rooted in Supreme Court Guidelines
The directive from the Gauhati High Court follows the Supreme Court of India’s earlier orders, which mandated all High Courts to monitor cases against legislators.
In its 2020 order, the Supreme Court had directed the formation of special courts to hear such cases. The goal was to decriminalize politics by ensuring prompt justice and discouraging tainted candidates.
Despite these orders, progress in Assam has been notably slow. The Gauhati High Court’s intervention aims to enforce those national directives at the state level.
Political and Legal Implications
The move by the High Court is likely to send ripples across the political spectrum. Several lawmakers across party lines are facing serious charges, including corruption, land grabbing, and assault.
Legal experts argue that this judicial pressure could finally bring momentum to long-pending cases. “This directive has the potential to clear the huge backlog and restore public confidence,” said senior advocate Dhrubajyoti Sharma, a constitutional law expert based in Guwahati.
Others, however, warn that the effectiveness of the roadmap will depend on the state’s political will to act.
Civil Society Applauds the Court’s Stand
Activists and civil society organizations have welcomed the High Court’s action. Groups like Assam People’s Forum and Northeast Citizens Council have long campaigned for transparency in political life.
“These delays erode the foundation of democracy,” said activist Reema Das. “We applaud the High Court for stepping in when the executive has failed.”
Public sentiment also appears to support the court’s firm stance. Several local newspapers have published editorials demanding swift justice and implementation of the action plan without political interference.
The Road Ahead
The next hearing in the matter is scheduled for August 21, 2025, the day after the deadline. The court has said it will closely scrutinize the roadmap and may summon top officials if the response is unsatisfactory.
With the 2026 Assam Assembly Elections less than a year away, the push for speedy trials could influence both political narratives and voter perception.
If implemented effectively, the roadmap could become a model for other states. If not, the court has hinted at using its constitutional powers to ensure compliance.
For more updates on Assam politics and law, visit the official Gauhati High Court portal.
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