P&H HC directs Trial Court to expedite trial; says it is matter of concern, that trial is moving at such slow pace

Read Order: Kulwant Singh v. State of Punjab  

LE Staff

Chandigarh, November 1, 2021 : The Punjab and Haryana High Court has expressed its discontent in a matter wherein the trial has been moving at a slow pace in the Court of Special Judge, Fazilka.

The Bench of Justice H.S. Madaan was hearing a petition wherein the counsel for the petitioner stated that he did  not press the present petition for regular bail, however a direction be issued to the Trial Court to complete the trial expeditiously.

The Court noticed that a perusal of the record showed that the chargesheet was filed in the Court on December 17,2019 and charge was framed on January 10,2020. 

As informed by the State counsel, on instructions from ASI Lakhwinder Singh, PS Ladhuka, Fazilka, out of 11 prosecution witnesses cited by the prosecution, only one prosecution witness had been examined so far.

Moreover, the Court also added that it was a matter of concern, that the trial has been moving at such a slow pace in the Court of Special Judge, Fazilka.

Dismissing the Petition as withdrawn, the Bench directed the Trial Court to complete the trial expeditiously, preferably within a period of six months, by giving short adjournments.

It has also been ordered that the State shall causeappearance of the prosecution witnesses in the Court on the date, so fixed. If the Trial will not be completed within a period of six months, then Special Judge, Fazilka, shall render necessary explanation for not doing so, which will be forwarded to this court along with comments by the District and Sessions Judge, Fazilka.