India, May 29 -- The Supreme Court of India has invoked Article 142 of the Constitution to issue strong directions aimed at preventing delays in the pronouncement of judgments by High Courts across the country.

The apex court observed that prolonged delays in delivering verdicts undermine the principle of "justice delayed is justice denied" and emphasized the need for timely disposal of cases once hearings are completed.

Under Article 142, the Supreme Court has the power to pass any order necessary to ensure "complete justice" in any matter before it. Using this constitutional provision, the court has now moved to strengthen accountability mechanisms in the lower judiciary, particularly regarding reserved judgments that remain pending f...