The Delhi High Court has recently granted time to its registry for filing counter-affidavit with regards to the pendency of NIA (National Investigation Agency) cases in designated special court in the national capital along with the reasons for delay of trial in such cases. The petitioner was arrested in 2013, under provisions of UAPA and IPC.
A single-judge bench of Justice Mukta Gupta heard the petition filed by Manzer Imam, an accused under Unlawful Activities Prevention Act 1967,(UAPA) aggrieved by the delay in trial, due to which he had already spent 8 years in custody awaiting trial.
The petition had sought directions to the Centre to ensure/ notify that Special Courts under Section 11 NIA Act in Delhi should deal exclusively with NIA investigated scheduled offences so that the trials can be expedited by besides day-to-day hearing. Furthermore, the petition has additionally sought directions to the learned Special Court to conclude his trial on day-to-day basis.
On the previous date of hearing the court had directed its Registry to file a reply affidavit stating the stages of trial in all the NIA Act cases before the two Courts specifically designated for trial under the NIA Act at Patiala House and the reasons for delay, if any.
The next date of hearing is December 17.