New Delhi, November 29: The Supreme Court on Thursday came down heavily on the Central government for failing to act swiftly against criminal cases in the country. The top Court pulled up the Centre for its “deficiency” in taking effective steps to ensure speedy trial in criminal cases. Taking a jibe at the government, the Apex Cpurt said, "you don't perform your job but you always criticise judiciary for the delay in Justice".

Justice Madan B Lokur told Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Aman Lekhi to tell the government to stop criticising the judicial system. "It’s very strange. Tell your people (Centre) stop criticising judicial system as they are not doing their job”, Justice Lokur added. Illegal Constructions: Supreme Court Directs Haryana to Pay Rs 50 Lakh Each to 33 House Owners. 

Earlier this week, the top Court had issued notices to the Centre on a petition alleging that a cancelled coal block had been re-allotted to Adani Enterprises through a joint venture. According to reports, the top court had scrapped the allocation of 214 blocks en masse in August 2014 on the ground of illegality. The court had said that any joint venture was illegal under the Coal MiningNationalisation Act, 1973.

On Wednesday, the top Court directed the Haryana government to pay Rs 50 lakh each to 33 house owners. The directions were issued to those whose buildings were directed to be demolished by year-end due to illegal constructions in forest area of Aravalli hills. According to a report by PTI, a bench comprising justices Madan B Lokur, S Abdul Nazeer and Deepak Gupta said the state should make the payment by December 10.

The Court, on September 11, had termed as "frightening" the illegal constructions in the forest area of Aravalli hills. It had directed the Haryana government to demolish the unauthorised structures built there after August 18, 1992.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 29, 2018 12:08 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).