The Saket District Court has denied Aftab Amin Poonawala’s request for a trial schedule of only twice a month in the ongoing Shraddha Walkar murder case. Poonawala, accused of murdering Walkar, had sought a reduced trial frequency to allow his counsel additional time for defense preparation. However, the court deemed this request an attempt to deliberately delay the proceedings.
Special Fast Track Court Judge Manish Khurana Kakkar dismissed Poonawala’s plea, stating that the request was an obstruction to the trial’s progress. The court noted that a substantial number of witnesses have already been examined, but crucial witnesses remain to be heard. This delay tactic was observed as a strategy to postpone the trial unduly.
The court emphasized that the right of the accused to a fair trial cannot supersede the victim’s family’s right to a dignified cremation. Vikas Walkar, Shraddha Walkar’s father, had requested the release of his daughter’s bones for her final rites. The court highlighted that while the release of the remains is crucial for the victim’s family, it must be balanced with the ongoing investigation, which still requires the examination of police witnesses involved in the case.
The court also pointed out that only 134 of the 212 prosecution witnesses have been examined since June 2023. Consequently, consecutive trial dates are essential for the timely completion of the trial. The court’s decision aims to expedite the proceedings, ensuring that justice is served promptly while accommodating the needs of both the victim’s family and the legal process.
Special Public Prosecutor Amit Prasad supported the need for an expedited trial, underscoring that the defense had previously taken advantage of flexible dates, causing unnecessary delays. The court’s decision reflects a commitment to maintaining the trial’s momentum and ensuring that justice for Shraddha Walkar is not hindered by procedural delays.
