“Justice Delayed is the Biggest Violation of Human Rights”: Odisha High Court

In a landmark judgment, the Odisha High Court has strongly criticized the justice delivery system, calling delayed justice the biggest violation of human rights, after two women contractors received a court verdict 50 years after they began their legal battle against the Forest Department.

 

The two contractors had deposited a security amount and payment for a timber contract in 1975. However, due to bureaucratic delays and procedural hurdles, the department failed to hand over the allotted forest area. In 1980, when the forest was declared a reserved area, the contract was canceled. Despite a Supreme Court order in 1993 directing the refund of the deposited amount, the department did not return the funds.

 

Frustrated by decades of inaction, the contractors approached the High Court again. Tragically, one of them passed away during the prolonged legal struggle. The court has now ordered the government to return the deposited amount along with interest and compensation equivalent to the current market value of the timber within three months.

 

The bench observed that such extraordinary delays in delivering justice highlight deep flaws in the legal system and emphasized the urgent need for systemic reforms to ensure timely resolution of disputes. It further stated that justice delayed over such a prolonged period not only defeats the purpose of the law but also amounts to a violation of fundamental human rights.

 

The ruling serves as a significant reminder of the critical need to streamline judicial processes and prevent citizens from suffering decades-long delays in accessing justice.