The Supreme Court of India has cautioned the State against launching criminal prosecution against citizens on a whim, without a reasonable prospect of conviction.

It said half-baked prosecutions and filing of charge sheets was a violation of citizens’ right to fair process, and moreover, adds to the burden of an already weighed-down judicial system.

“State should not prosecute citizens without a reasonable prospect of conviction, as it compromises the right to a fair process,” a Bench of Justices N.K. Singh and Manmohan cautioned.

More than 50% pending cases before Justice Juvenile Board; JJBs not fully staffed

The police, at the stage of filing of charge sheet, and the criminal court, at the stage of framing of charges, must act as initial filters ensuring that only cases with a str

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