Supreme Court Issues 10-Point Framework to Speed Up Dowry-Related Trials

The Supreme Court has issued a comprehensive 10-point framework aimed at reducing delays and pendency in cases involving dowry death and cruelty.A Bench of Justices Sanjay Karol and Augustine George Masih, in an order dated August 20, 2026, passed in State of Uttar Pradesh v. Ajmal Beg arising from Miscellaneous Applications Nos. 2689–2690 of 2025, directed States, Union Territories and High Courts to take institutional and procedural measures for faster disposal of such cases.The directions include priority treatment of cases under Sections 304-B and 498-A IPC and corresponding provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, identification and monitoring of cases pending for more than three years, and greater use of digital dashboards for stage-wise case tracking.

The Court also directed trial courts to endeavour to frame charges preferably within 60–90 days, subject to the circumstances of individual cases, and to commence evidence promptly thereafter. Courts were asked to discourage unnecessary adjournments, record reasons for adjournments and prepare witness calendars after charges are framed.The framework further covers the effective functioning of Dowry Prohibition Officers, One Stop Centres and victim-support mechanisms, awareness programmes, specialised training for judicial and law-enforcement personnel, and mediation or counselling in appropriate matrimonial disputes.The Supreme Court has also prescribed periodic compliance reporting by High Courts, States and Union Territories, with the matter next scheduled for consideration on October 15, 2026.