Petty criminal cases pending in subordinate courts throughout Assam to be withdrawn within 6 months : Cabinet

way2barak, Sept.11: In the weekly Assam Cabinet on September 11, several key decisions including clearing backlog of cases in courts etc., among others were taken. The Cabinet Meeting was chaired by Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma. 

❖Clearing Backlog of Cases:

Petty criminal cases pending in subordinate courts throughout Assam to be withdrawn within 6 months by invoking Section 321 of Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1973

Instruction for withdrawal of cases and authorisation to Public Prosecutor and Addl/Asstt Public Prosecutor for filing appropriate petition on the next date fixed for respective cases along with detailed SOP to be issued immediately.

Benefits:

•Reduction in backlog of cases, allowing the courts to devote time for serious offences and other cases
•Decongestion of jails by releasing under trial prisoners who are accused in aforesaid petty cases

•Relief for witnesses who have to spend valuable time and money to attend hearings

•Ensure Right to Speedy Trial, under Article 21