The Supreme Court of India on Tuesday directed 17 states and union territories to determine how many special courts are required to ensure that trials under the anti-terror law UAPA are conducted daily and completed within one year.
A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant said the judiciary is facing severe strain and called for systemic changes to address the burden of pending cases. The court asked state governments to submit their assessment within four weeks, with a clear commitment that each trial will be concluded within the stipulated timeframe.
The matter stems from the court taking suo motu cognisance of delays in cases under laws such as the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act and MCOCA, and the need for exclusive courts to handle such matters.
The bench, also comprising Justice Joymalya Bagchi, instructed High Courts to ensure adequate staffing for these proposed courts. It also directed agencies, including the National Investigation Agency and the Central Bureau of Investigation, to assign at least one dedicated prosecutor to each court.
In cases of shortage, states and union territories have been asked to appoint Special Public Prosecutors in consultation with the respective High Courts.
The court has sought responses from the Registrars General of the 17 states and union territories.
During the hearing, Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati and Additional Solicitor General SD Sanjay were present, along with advocate generals from the concerned regions.
As a pilot project, all 17 states and union territories agreed to set up at least one exclusive court to handle cases investigated by the National Investigation Agency under UAPA. The central government has committed to providing financial assistance for the initiative.
The Supreme Court has previously emphasised the need for dedicated courts to handle cases under special laws. In September 2025, it suggested increasing the number of judicial officers, and in November, it urged the Centre to create a nationwide mechanism to dispose of such cases within six months.