Article 21's guarantee of fair procedure encompasses timely...

Article 21's guarantee of fair procedure encompasses timely pronouncement of reserved judgments. A binding framework requires High Courts to endeavour to pronounce reasoned judgments within three months of reservation, with administrative escalation, rehearing before another Bench where delay continues, and applications for early pronouncement or reassignment. Liberty matters require extra promptitude: reserved bail matters should ordinarily be decided and uploaded the next day, and orders granting bail, suspending sentence or acquitting persons in custody require immediate communication and release subject to stated exceptions. Operative-part orders are exceptional; reasons must be uploaded within seven days, or within fifteen days where practical difficulty exists. Case-status disclosures, certified-copy dates, automated alerts and advocate notifications make delay traceable and remedies accessible.