A Delhi court has fast-tracked the Shraddha Walkar murder case by ordering day-to-day hearings starting July 20, while dismissing objections raised by the defence over this arrangement. Additional Sessions Judge Hargurvarinder Singh Jaggi noted that the trial had been progressing slowly, with 13 prosecution witnesses still awaiting their testimonies.
Court's Observations on Trial Delay
“The perusal and examination of the case record reveals that indeed the trial... has been tardy. It is also observed that 13 prosecution witnesses have yet to complete their testimonies,” Judge Jaggi stated. The defence counsel for accused Aaftab Poonawala had expressed unavailability for daily hearings, but the court remained firm, directing Poonawala to make arrangements to ensure proper legal representation.
Day-to-Day Hearings Schedule
From July 20 onwards, the court will list the matter on a day-to-day basis from 2 pm to record witness testimonies. This decision came as the defence continued cross-examining prosecution witness Head Constable Deepak Kumar, a process that has extended for nearly three months. Friday marked the ninth day of his cross-examination, with the defence alleging discrepancies in forensic evidence related to the recovery of a plastic container used for storing the deceased’s body parts.
Prosecution's Concerns
Special Public Prosecutor Madhukar Pandey argued that despite repeated opportunities, the cross-examination of the police witness had not concluded. “The learned counsel further submitted that this way the trial will not come to an end,” the court order recorded. Addressing these delays, the court summoned five witnesses for their examination-in-chief from July 20 to July 25.
Background of the Case
According to the prosecution, Poonawala strangled his live-in partner Shraddha Walkar at their Mehrauli residence on May 18, 2022, before dismembering her body. Investigators allege he stored the body parts in a refrigerator and then dumped them at multiple locations across Delhi to conceal the crime. More than 250 prosecution witnesses have been examined since the trial began. During the proceedings, Walkar’s father, who closely followed the case, also passed away.
This development underscores the court's commitment to expediting justice in a case that has drawn widespread attention. The day-to-day hearings aim to ensure a timely conclusion to the trial, addressing the delays that have plagued the proceedings.
