Supreme Court flags 44-year delay in Jharkhand murder appeal
The case concerns a double murder committed in 1981 where the sole remaining accused was convicted after a 44-year delay. The Supreme Court addressed the prolonged pendency of the trial and appeal, and the petitioner's request for relief based on his medical condition and age.
Petitioner: Simon Soren; Respondent: The State of Jharkhand; Bench: Hon'ble Mr. Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Hon'ble Mr. Justice K. Vinod Chandran.
- The Court suspended the sentence and directed the immediate release of the petitioner on bail, conditioned on his personal surety and not committing any crime.
- The Court ordered the requisition of the original records in physical and digital form from the High Court/Trial Court within four weeks.
- The Court permitted the petitioner to implead the Union of India in the matter.
- The Court directed the Advocate-on-Record for the High Court to serve a copy of the Registrar General's Affidavit of Compliance to the Office of the Attorney General/Solicitor General.
- The matter was posted for the next hearing on 18.09.2026.
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Document details
| Official title | 'Shocking Pendency' Of Criminal Appeals In Jharkhand High Court: Supreme Court Flags 44-Year Delay in Murder Case |
| Source body | Supreme Court of India — orders & judgments |
| Reference number | SIMON SOREN v THE STATE OF JHARKHAND|SPECIAL LEAVE PETITION (CRIMINAL) Diary No(s).9856/2026 |
| Status | active (order) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Closing date | 2026-09-18 |
| Documents | 1 |