[Delhi Riots] Non-appearance of Special Public Prosecutors causing delay in disposal: Court

A Delhi Court recently expressed its displeasure over the non-appearance of Special Public Prosecutors (SPPs) in the Delhi Riots cases [State v. Salman, etc]..It thus directed a senior Delhi Police official to take the matter seriously and appoint more prosecutors to represent the State..Additional Sessions Judge Virender Bhat made the remarks in a case where three SPPs could not appear for the hearing for various reasons, as a result of which the examination of witnesses could not take place.“This is the state of affairs with regards to these riot cases, which are very sensitive in nature and for which this special court was set up. These cases were assigned to a panel of special PPs formed by the police so as to ensure proper and effective prosecution of these cases. But this court has found in several cases that the special PPs to whom the cases are assigned do not appear in the court on account of which cases have to be adjourned without conducting any proceedings thereby resulting in the delay of their disposal,” the order dated December 9 highlighted..Counsel appearing for the accused had objected to the conduct of the SPPs. They expressed concern over the adjournments, saying that the lawyers' absence was prolonging the incarceration of their clients.The Court stated that this issue had been communicated to the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), North East Delhi, with instructions to take corrective measures earlier as well..Therefore, the order directed:“Let a copy of this order too, be sent to the DCP, North East, who is impressed upon to take this aspect seriously and appoint further Special PPs to represent the State in these riots cases. The DCP North East shall send a report to this court in this regard within one week from today.”.[Read Order]