Supreme Court Questions Delay in Activist’s UAPA Trial

The Story in Brief

The Supreme Court criticised the delay in the criminal trial of activist Shahid Khan and sought a speedier process. Khan was arrested on 22 September 2022. He is challenging a Karnataka High Court decision that denied him bail. The prosecution has listed about 700 witnesses, making an early conclusion unlikely.

Khan is accused of helping raise funds for the outlawed Popular Front of India between 2011 and 2019 and assisting teams allegedly planning attacks in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. His lawyer said the activities predated the ban and that the alleged offences carry a maximum five-year sentence. The allegations have not been decided by a court.

The Indian Opinion

The court’s concern reflects the strain that prolonged proceedings can place on an accused person. However, a large witness list may indicate a complex prosecution case, even if it also creates delays. Strong claims about guilt, innocence or an inevitable acquittal would be premature while the allegations and bail issues remain unresolved. The case also shows why timely trials matter in serious criminal proceedings.

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com

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