Delay in judicial proceedings due to absence of appointed counsel under the SC/ST (POA) Act warrants court intervention for timely resolution.

K.BABU, J.

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O.P (Crl) No.703 of 2025 ---------------------------------------

Dated this the 10^th day of February, 2026 JUDGMENT The prayers in this Original Petition (Criminal) filed under Article 227 of the Constitution of India are as follows:

“(i) To call for the records of the S.C No. 806/2020, pending before the Special Court for the trial of offences under SC and ST Prevention of Atrocities Act, 1989 , Ernakulam and to examine the correctness and legality leading to delay in the proceedings.

(ii) To issue a direction to the 1^st respondent to appoint Special Public Prosecutor in Special Court for the trial of offences under SC and ST Prevention of Atrocities Act, 1989 , Ernakulam.

(iii) Issue appropriate order or direction as this Hon’ble court may be fit and proper in the fact and circumstances of the case.”

2. This Court obtained a report from the learned Special Judge. The learned Special Judge submitted that non-availability of the duly appointed Special Public Prosecutor is the reason for the delay. It is further submitted that the Special Public Prosecutor has not yet been appointed.

3. The submission made by the learned Special Judge is recorded.

The Original Petition (Criminal) is disposed of as above.

Sd/-