The legal representative for Shraddha Walkar’s family has accused the defence in the 2022 murder case of intentionally causing delays in the trial proceedings. Advocate Seema Samridhi Kushwaha stated that she intends to petition the Delhi High Court to expedite the hearing of the case. These comments were made following the Saket Court’s cancellation of a scheduled hearing on July 20.

The cancellation came after the accused, Aaftab Amin Poonawala, informed the court of his scheduled Master of Arts (Sociology) examination at the IGNOU examination centre located within Tihar Jail. Advocate Kushwaha pointed out the trial has already been prolonged, noting the court had initially set hearings from July 20 to July 27.

Kushwaha questioned the timeliness of the application’s submission by the defence, suggesting that examination schedules are disseminated well in advance. She raised concerns regarding the lack of alternative hearing dates provided by the court after the original hearing was cancelled.

Impact of Trial Delays on Family

The legal representative highlighted the emotional toll the delays have taken on Walkar’s family, stating that the delays have hindered them from conducting her last rites. According to Kushwaha, the mortal remains of Shraddha Walkar are classified as case property and cannot be released until the trial is concluded.

Advocate Kushwaha revealed that Shraddha’s mother passed away in 2020, and her father died in February 2025, distressed by the ongoing case. Moreover, her grandmother has also passed away, leaving only her brother, who visits sporadically. Kushwaha is currently serving as the family’s legal counsel.

Kushwaha plans to approach the Delhi High Court to seek a speedier trial, referencing that an initial application for a fast-track court had led to several hearings taking place in close succession. However, she noted that the proceedings have since slowed significantly.

Current Status of the Trial

The Additional Sessions Judge, Hargurvarinder Singh Jaggi, decided to cancel the July 20 hearing after considering Aaftab Amin Poonawala’s application. The judge ordered that prosecution evidence is to commence from July 21, 2026, at 2:00 PM and on subsequent designated dates.

Poonawala has claimed that his last MA Sociology examination is scheduled for July 20 between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM at the Tihar Jail examination centre, with the exam timetable extending from July 11 to July 20. Earlier, the court had arranged for the trial to proceed with daily hearings in an effort to expedite the process.

The case has seen eight prosecution witnesses slated for examination, while testimonies from thirteen witnesses have been partially recorded and twelve more have had their evidence deferred. The case has been under judicial consideration since 2023, with allegations stating that Shraddha Walkar was murdered by her partner Aaftab Amin Poonawala in May 2022. The incident came to light later in November 2022 when her parents endeavoured to locate her, resulting in a FIR being lodged at the Mehrauli police station.

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