Shortage of public prosecutors: HC summons Haryana addl chief secy

ADDITIONAL CHIEF SECRETARY HAS BEEN TOLD TO REMAIN PRESENT ON NEXT DATE OF HEARING ON SEPTEMBER 7

CHANDIGARH: A Punjab and Haryana high court bench has summoned additional chief secretary, department of justice, Haryana, over noncompliance of court orders on recruitment of public prosecutors in district courts of the state.

The high court bench of justice Rajan Gupta passed the order on a contempt of court petition moved by All Haryana Attorneys Welfare Association.

The additional chief secretary has been told to seek relevant instructions and remain present on next date of hearing on September 7.

The matter pertains to recruitment and support system to district attorneys, deputy district attorneys and assistant deputy attorneys. The high court had disposed of a suo motu petition in July 2015, following undertaking from the government that sincere efforts were being made to fill all the vacancies and it would be ensured that the required number public prosecutors were appointed within the shortest time.

The high court had directed that the process of appointment of the public prosecutors through direct recruitment be completed within nine months.

The government was also directed to make available the requisite support staff and related infrastructure to enable the prosecutors to discharge their functions effectively.

The court was apprised by the association that despite directions no steps had been taken by government to implement the same, resulting in a large number of posts of prosecutors in Haryana remaining vacant and resulting in tardy prosecution process.

The high court observed that non-availability of sufficient number of prosecutors would lead to slow trials, thereby impinging the right of the citizens for speedy justice. “This would amount to violation of Article 21 of the constitution as well,” the high court said, giving 10 days to respondents to submit replies in the petition.