The Delhi High Court has decided not to impose a timeline for the conclusion of the Shraddha Walkar murder trial involving Aaftab Amin Poonawala, stating that the trial is being conducted on a continuous basis. This decision was made on Friday during the hearing of a petition filed by Walkar’s brother, Shreejay Vijay Walkar.

Justice Madhu Jain, presiding over the case, remarked that the trial court is making every effort to expedite the proceedings. He emphasised that since the trial is already occurring daily, there is no need for additional directions from the High Court. The ongoing nature of the trial aims to ensure a swift resolution.

Shraddha Walkar was reportedly strangled by Poonawala on May 18, 2022, while they were in a live-in relationship. The 6,629-page chargesheet prepared by Delhi Police delves into the details of the alleged crime, stating that Poonawala dismembered her body and stored the parts in a refrigerator prior to disposing of them in various secluded locations throughout the city over several days.

Concerns Raised Over Trial Duration

During the hearing, the petitioner’s counsel expressed concerns over the pace of the trial, arguing that it was progressing more slowly than expected. He stated that given the current rate of proceedings, it was unlikely that the trial would reach a conclusion in the foreseeable future. This statement was part of Walkar’s request for a more expedited process.

The petitioner highlighted that the ongoing delay was detrimental to the administration of justice and violated Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which mandates a speedy trial. He called attention to the amount of time already spent on the case without justifiable reasoning, urging the court for intervention to accelerate the judicial process.

In response, Senior Advocate Amit Prasad, representing Delhi Police, informed the court that the trial is indeed being held on a day-to-day basis, barring weekends. He noted that of the over 200 witnesses in the case, the statements of 157 have already been completed, underscoring the progress being made despite the concerns raised.

Assistance for Overseas Witnesses Ordered

As part of the proceedings, the High Court also directed the ministries of home affairs and external affairs to facilitate the examination of specific overseas witnesses expeditiously, should the trial court require their presence. This move aims to further ensure that the trial does not face delays due to the unavailability of critical witnesses.

The court eventually concluded its proceedings concerning the petition. This clarification ensures that the trial will carry on with its current schedule of day-to-day hearings, while also providing for any necessary assistance in examining international witnesses to support the case.

As this high-profile case continues to unfold, the judicial system remains focused on maintaining the integrity of the trial while balancing the concerns voiced by the parties involved. The ongoing efforts reflect a commitment to delivering justice in this serious matter.

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