SC moots pan-India norms on timeline to frame charges by trial courts

The Supreme Court has indicated that it may issue pan-India guidelines on the time frame within which trial courts should frame charges in criminal cases to prevent protracted delays.

A bench of justices Aravind Kumar and NV Anjaria appointed senior advocate Sidharth Luthra as amicus curiae to assist the court in the case.

The development took place during the hearing of a bail plea filed by an undertrial in a case of robbery and attempt to murder, who has been behind bars since August 2024. A chargesheet was filed in the case on September 30, 2024.