Himachal HC directive on pendency of criminal cases

Taking serious note of the pendency of criminal cases, the Himachal Pradesh High Court's acting Chief Justice Mansoor Ahmad Mir Friday directed the police to ensure production of complete case diary for speedy disposal of cases.

Noting that delay in the production of complete case diary resulted in pendency, Justice Mir directed the chief secretary, secretary (home) and the director general of police to issue directions to all the officials concerned in this regard.

It was observed by the court that in criminal cases, case diaries were not being presented in the court by the counsel for the state, which caused delay in hearing and disposing off the criminal cases.

While passing the orders, the court made it clear that non-compliance with these directions would be viewed seriously.

Justice Mir's observation came while hearing a criminal revision petition arising out of an incident that took place in 2003.

The case was registered against the accused Feb 3, 2004, and he was convicted under section 279 (rash driving), 304-A (causing death by negligence) of the Indian Penal Code April 1, 2006, by the judicial magistrate of Manali.