India, Aug. 3 -- Prominent public prosecutor and Rajya Sabha MP Ujjwal Nikam on Monday raised the concern of delays in hearing appeals against acquittals, arguing that the lack of timely justice can leave an innocent individual burdened by an unresolved case long after being cleared.

"If acquittal was erroneous, a dangerous offender will go to trial but if acquittal was sound, an innocent person continues to live under the shadow of an unresolved prosecution, unable to move forward with life," said Nikam.

"The criminal justice system has two supporting pillars-- a fair trial and timely justice. If either pillar weakens the entire edifice begins to crumble," he added.

Section 419 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023 govern...