56 UAPA Cases Pending In Bengaluru Urban District : Karnataka HC Directs Immediate Appointment Of Judge

A report was submitted by the Registrar General to the court in which it was stated that out of the four courts dealing with the cases under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, two Courts are vacant and concurrent charge is being held by the other Judicial Officers. The Registrar General also stated that though the process of appointing regular Judicial Officers is under consideration, it will be appropriate if totally 56 cases pending in Bengaluru Urban District under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, can be transferred to the designated Special Court (CCH-50) which has pendency of only 23 cases.

A division bench of Chief Justice Abhay Oka and Justice S Vishwajith Shetty on going through the report said "If the said suggestion is to be implemented, immediate steps will have to be taken to appoint a Judicial Officer for presiding over CCH-50. A copy of this order be forwarded to the Registrar General of this Court."

The direction was given during the hearing of a petition filed by Vaseemuddin A., a city-based advocate. The petitioner had sought a direction for setting up another special court to conduct the trial of cases registered under the UAP Act, 1967, particularly to deal with the chargesheets filed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) while complaining that accused in these cases, mainly charged for alleged terrorist activities, are languishing in prison owing to the delay in completion of trials.

The matter will next be heard on March 24.

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