Expressing serious concern over 288 cases related to the Gangster Act and the Arms Act pending in Delhi courts, the Supreme Court directed the Union of India and the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) to set up fast-track courts for speedy disposal of such matters.
The Bench of Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi on Thursday stressed on increasing the number of courts and strengthening the infrastructure for apt distribution and expeditious trial, preferably on a day-to-day basis, in these matters.
The Apex Court observed that it could issue a slew of directions, such as compulsory appearance of defence counsels, dispensation of adjournments, and a timeline for the purpose of conclusion of investigation and framing of charges at an appropriate stage, to dispose of the cases in one year.
Additional Solicitor General SD Sanjay, appearing for the GNCTD, submitted an additional affidavit in the Court. As per the affidavit, out of 288 pending trials, charges have been framed in 108 cases. There was a gap of 3-4 years between framing of charges and commencement of prosecution evidence, it said.
Noting that 25 percent cases had reached the stage of prosecution evidence, the top court of the country said even the trial court could not answer as to when would the remaining 75 percent cases reach the evidence stage.
The Bench told the ASG to get the Central government and the GNCTD on table, wherein they could identify the number of designated courts needed to finish trials in these 288 cases within a year.
They should ensure that the additional courts dealt only with cases under the Gangsters Act.
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