New Delhi, Oct. 19 -- With 3,02,477 trial cases pending in Delhi's district courts as of September 30, Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu has directed the Directorate of Prosecution to curb avoidable adjournments, ensure the timely production of witnesses and monitor delays against statutory timelines.

"Justice delayed cannot become justice denied. Every avoidable delay and lapse must be addressed," Sandhu said, stressing the need for urgency, coordination and accountability.

Chairing a review meeting on the Directorate's functioning, he expressed concern over low conviction rates, slow case disposal and mounting pendency. Of the pending cases, 2,54,597 are in Magistrate Courts and 47,880 in Sessions Courts.

Sandhu called for the implementation of trial in absentia in eligible cases and greater use of electronic records, digital case tracking and video conferencing.

He also stressed the need for stricter scrutiny of charge-sheets and evidence, better coordination among prosecutors, Delhi Police and forensic laboratories, and training in new criminal laws and electronic evidence.

The review highlighted heavy caseloads and staff shortages. Of the 507 sanctioned prosecutor posts, 216 are vacant, while 42 of the 71 sanctioned supporting staff posts remain unfilled.

Prosecutors in Sessions Courts handle an average of 309 pending cases each, with the figure rising to 627 in Rohini. In Magistrate Courts, the average is 2,021 cases per prosecutor, reaching 3,065 in Rohini.

The Directorate informed the meeting that a standing committee had examined 64,210 acquittal cases across 34 meetings since August 2014. Sandhu called for a detailed analysis of acquittals to identify prosecutorial lapses and take corrective action, while prioritising cases involving women

and children.

Emphasising the need to strengthen prosecution under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, through adequate staffing, technology and adherence to statutory timelines, Sandhu said he would take up recruitment delays with the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and the shortage of courtroom space with the Public Works Department (PWD).

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.