It may be recalled that a Supreme Court bench had directed completion of the trial of nearly 5,000 cases pending against public representatives in the country within a year. Following the 2015 Supreme Court judgment, the process of setting up special courts in each state for expeditious hearing of cases is in full swing. Amicus Curiae today briefed the Supreme Court regarding the setting up and facilities of special courts in various states. These courts will be set up in Visakhapatnam and Kadapa in AP as part of the speedy trial of cases against public representatives.
Will appoint nodal officers
The Supreme Court bench headed by Judge NV Ramana clarified that it would also issue directions on the appointment of nodal officers to look into the affairs of special courts. The Apex court said it would issue directions after hearing the Centre’s version on the allocation of funds for the creation of a video conference facility in each court.
Two separate courts in AP
Amicus Curiae told the apex court that the AP High Court had directed that special courts be set up in Visakhapatnam and Kadapa in the AP to expedite the trial of cases against public representatives. Amicus Curiae asked the tribunal to provide protection for witnesses in necessary cases. The tribunal, however, appears to have questioned Curie as to whether it was possible to protect each witness. Amicus Curiae said that the trial court should take a decision on the protection of witnesses. The Supreme Court will soon issue orders on the next hearing.
