Supreme Court Urges Jharkhand HC Judges to Clear Pending Judgments
New Delhi, August 10, 2025: The Supreme Court has voiced strong concern over delays in pronouncing judgments by the Jharkhand High Court. It advised judges to take leave and focus on clearing the backlog.
Two-Year Delay Raises Alarm
A bench of Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi heard six petitions linked to home guard recruitment. The petitioners were selected in a 2017 drive, but their appointments remained pending. In 2023, the High Court reserved judgments in these cases. Yet, no verdict came for more than two years.
the Supreme Court was told that orders in these specific cases had been released. However, a sealed-cover report showed that 61 other cases were still awaiting judgments.
Court’s Clear Directive
The apex court urged Jharkhand High Court judges to deliver reasoned orders. It cautioned them against getting lost in “jurisprudence” or excessive legal language. The focus, the bench said, must be on timely justice rather than stylistic debates.
The case will be heard again in November 2025. The Supreme Court directed the High Court to take urgent action before then.
Not the First Intervention
This is not the first time the top court has stepped in. In April, it asked the Registrar General of the Jharkhand High Court to file a sealed-cover status report on pending criminal judgments. The scope later expanded to include civil cases in all High Courts.
While some orders were released after this step, the latest report shows delays persist.
Impact on Petitioners
For those in the home guard recruitment case, the wait brought frustration and financial stress. Many passed the selection years ago but could not join duty because the High Court had not ruled.
Legal experts say such delays weaken the principle of “justice delayed is justice denied.” They argue that public trust in the judiciary suffers when verdicts remain pending for years.
Broader Stand Against Delays
The Supreme Court has often stressed the need for timely judgments. It has pointed out that prolonged delays harm litigants and erode confidence in the system.
The suggestion for judges to take leave to write pending orders is unusual, but it reflects the urgency the top court feels in resolving this backlog.
Case Details
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Title: Poonam Kumari vs The State of Jharkhand and Ors.
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Number: W.P.(C) No. 489/2025, along with connected cases.
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Representation: Senior Advocate Nikhil Goel, Advocate Alok Kumar, and AoR Vanya Gupta appeared for the petitioners. Senior Advocate Ajit Sinha represented the Jharkhand High Court.
Looking Ahead
With the next hearing set for November, the spotlight is on the Jharkhand High Court. The Supreme Court’s message is direct — reasoned and timely orders must come first.
