Naidu Calls for Speedy Disposal of Criminal Cases Against Political Leaders
The Vice President of India, M. Venkaiah Naidu, has called for speedy disposal of election petitions and criminal cases against political leaders pending before various courts. He also suggested the setting up of separate benches to expedite all such cases within six months or one year.
The Vice President also wanted the presiding officers of legislative bodies to decide anti-defection cases within three months. Interacting with lawyers, judges, and the members of the Bar Association in Visakhapatnam on March 30, Naidu recollected his early days as a law student in Andhra University and shared his memories with the gathering.
Speaking at the 125th anniversary celebrations of Visakhapatnam District Court Bar Association, he expressed concern over the pendency of cases at various courts and said that time bound approval of applications and disposal of appeals was absolutely essential.
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Pointing out that a large amount of money was locked up in long pending tax-related litigation, the Vice President said that delays in judicial litigation and proceedings could affect the image of the country.
Expressing concern over pendency of 3.12 crore cases at various courts, Naidu urged upon the Courts and the Bar Associations to seriously dwell on the matter and see that pendency was reduced.
Quoting a popular adage, ‘Justice delayed is justice denied’, Naidu emphasized the need to undertake reforms to improve the functioning of judicial institutions to ensure speedy justice and equitable justice particularly to the common man.
Naidu also urged the Bar Association to promote the use of local languages in courts as it was convenient and appropriate that the proceedings were held in the respective state’s official language.
