Govt to hold two-day seminar for speedy trials

Patna, Oct 8 (UNI) With a view to ensure speedy trial of criminal cases, the state government has decided to hold a two-day seminar on ''Speedy Criminal Justice System'' here on October 14.

Addressing a joint press conference, home secretary Afzal Amanullah and ADG Abhyanand said the seminar would explore ways to clear the bottlenecks, which create delays in early disposal of the criminal cases.

By ensuring the speedy trials, a sense of fear would prevail in law breakers, which would ultimately result in improving the law and order situation in the state, they added.

The conference would be attended by Judges from High Court and district judges, district magistrates, police superintendents, public prosecutors, besides, leading advocates of the state, they said.

The seminar would be jointly inaugurated by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Chief Justice of Patna High Court, Justice Dr J N Bhatt.

They said in all four sessions the matters related to investigations, issues of jails, court procedure and court management would be discussed separately.

Mr Amanullah said after the initiative of the state government to ensure speedy trial, altogether 3000 criminals were convicted since January this year. Of those convicted, more than 300 criminals were sentenced to life imprisonment, while two had been given capital punishment.

When asked about overcrowding of jails, he said decision had been taken to build new jails and increasing the strength of the existing jails to cope with the acclerated rate of conviction in recent months.

UNI XC RS TJP PR BST2007