Aftab Poonawal’s Plea to Only Hold Murder Trial Twice a Month Denied

The court recently dismissed a plea from Aftab Poonawala, who was accused of trying to deliberately delay a trial. The Special Fast Track Court Judge, Manish Khurana Kakkar, emphasized that substantial witnesses have been examined, but material witnesses are yet to be cross-examined by the accused.

The court noted that only 134 out of 212 prosecution witnesses have been examined since June 2023. Consecutive trial dates are necessary to expedite the proceedings.

Vikas Walkar, the father of the deceased, filed an application seeking the release of his daughter’s bones for her last rites. The court observed that the bones had not been released to the father, who has been diligently appearing physically or through virtual mode.

The court stated that the accused had been adequately accommodated on each hearing date, emphasizing the father’s right to cremate his daughter’s bones. The court acknowledged that the Special Public Prosecutor did not object to an expeditious trial and noted the high number of prosecution witnesses.

The defense counsel’s failure to appear on scheduled dates for cross-examination was highlighted as an attempt to delay the trial. The accused emphasized that the matter is at the stage of Prosecution and that important witnesses remain to be examined.

In conclusion, the court stressed the need for consecutive trial dates to conclude the prosecution’s evidence and allow for the release of the deceased’s bones for cremation at the appropriate stage of proceedings.