Delhis Lieutenant Governor Urges Accountability Amid Low Conviction Rates
T.S. Sandhu emphasizes the need for accountability in prosecution to improve conviction rates in Delhis courts.
New Delhi, October 19 (Daily Kiran) : Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor T.S. Sandhu has called for greater accountability among government prosecutors in light of the city’s low conviction rates. During a meeting on October 19, he emphasized that delays in justice should not be tolerated, equating them to denial of justice.
Sandhu expressed concerns about the increasing backlog of cases and the slow pace of court proceedings. He highlighted the need to eliminate procedural errors and unnecessary delays during trials to enhance the performance of the prosecution department.
In his remarks, Sandhu stressed the importance of strengthening pre-trial investigations, minimizing adjournments, and ensuring timely appearances of witnesses in court. He stated, “Delays in justice do not equate to denial of justice. Every avoidable delay and error must be addressed.”
He reviewed the operations of the prosecution department and reiterated the urgency for immediate, results-oriented actions to improve conviction rates. Sandhu underscored the need for better case monitoring, enhancing the case tracking system, and streamlining file allocations to identify the causes of trial delays.
Additionally, he urged senior officials to adhere to the timelines set by the Indian National Security Code to ensure timely justice. Among his key suggestions was the implementation of “trial in absentia” where legally permissible, alongside holding investigative officers accountable for the quality of investigations and evidence collection.
To further boost conviction rates, Sandhu recommended establishing accountability for cases where defendants are acquitted. He urged for an analysis of acquitted cases to identify shortcomings and ensure accountability at every level.
Sandhu also highlighted the importance of improving coordination among various agencies, including prosecutors, Delhi police, and forensic services, to facilitate effective communication and briefing of investigative officers.
