Studying the Causes of Delay in Criminal Trials under the Criminal Justice System of Pakistan

Abstract

The present study aims to identify the causes of delay regarding the criminal trials under the criminal justice system of Pakistan. A society cannot survive where the justice system does not respond to wrongs in time. An inefficient justice system not only jiggles the confidence of people but also creates unrest among the people. On one hand, it loses its efficacy, and on the other, it promotes the culture of private vengeance. The Criminal Procedure Code1898 (CRPC) expressly states that when the cognizable offense is reported to the police for lodging First Information Report (FIR) under section 154 of CRPC. The police is legally bound to lodge FIR and initiate an investigation in terms of recording statements and collecting evidence to fix the responsibility within the stipulated time, if any. However, the study indicates that there are ample reasons for causing a delay in criminal justice for the administration of justice sternly.Further, Study also reveals that lack of provision of security to participants in the criminal justice system is also one of the reasons for causing the delay. Moreover, the researchers have adopted doctrinal research methods by using primary and secondary sources and suggested certain recommendations to remove the inappropriate delay in the criminal justice system of Pakistan.