“A large number of cases are pending in various high courts and trial courts in respect of offences against women and in recent times there has been a marked increase of such cases. Delay may be one of the factors contributing to the rise in the number of such cases, in as much as, on account of such delay deterrence pales into insignificance.
“Time has come for these cases to be dealt with expeditiously, lest we should fail in our endeavour to arrest the sharp increase of crimes of violence against women,” he said.
The CJI said this issue would be discussed in the chief justices' conference to be held in April but, meanwhile, these steps are required to be taken.
“I am giving vent to my concern for the helpless victims, awaiting justice,” he said adding “I once again impress upon you to ensure that the cases relating to offences against women are fast-tracked and taken up for hearing on priority basis, both at the high court and the district courts' level.”
He said 3,670 vacancies in the subordinate court should be filled with expeditiously.
