Reforming Criminal Procedure in India: Balancing Speedy Trials with Fair Trial Guarantees

The Indian criminal justice system confronts a fundamental tension between the constitutional right to a speedy trial and the guarantee of fair trial procedures. This paper examines the structural and procedural challenges within India's criminal justice framework through analysis of constitutional provisions, statutory frameworks, and judicial pronouncements. As of 2023, approximately 73.5% of India's prison population comprises undertrial prisoners, many detained for periods exceeding potentia