HC directs Delhi govt to finalise proposal of specialised training academy for prosecutors

Delhi HC directs Delhi Govt. to set up specialised training academy for public prosecutors within 4 weeks. HC also granted 2 weeks to provide training to newly appointed prosecutors in coordination with Delhi Judicial Academy.

The Delhi High Court has directed the State Government to finalise its proposal regarding the establishment of a specialised training academy for public prosecutors within four weeks.

The High Court also asked the Delhi Government to file an affidavit outlining the steps taken for it.

A Bench of then Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma (now elevated to the Supreme Court) and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela reiterated that public prosecutors shoulder weighty responsibilities in the discharge of their duties.

"Accordingly, the Delhi Government is directed to finalise its proposal qua the establishment of a specialised training academy for public prosecutor(s) within 4 weeks from today, that is November 1, and file an affidavit outlining the steps taken in furtherance of the same before the next date of hearing," the bench said while listing the matter for further hearing on December 6.

The court also granted a further two weeks to the Delhi Government to comply with its earlier order of September 14 by which the authorities were directed to impart training to the newly appointed public prosecutors in coordination with the Delhi Judicial Academy as prosecutors are an integral part of the criminal court system.

The High Court was hearing a batch of petitions, including a suo motu case (a matter initiated on its own), concerning issues related to recruitment, appointment and working of public prosecutors in the city.

The PILs have also sought upward revision in the pay scales of prosecutors and to equip them with the facilities and infrastructure needed to do their job.