Bihar Police have suggested setting up 100 fast-track courts to clear pending cases, especially involving illegal assets. DGP Vinay Kumar stated the move aims to ensure quicker trials and stronger action against corrupt individuals.
PATNA: Today, on June 17, in a major step toward ensuring faster justice and tackling illegal wealth, Bihar Police have proposed the setting up of fast track courts in every district of the state.
These special courts will mainly focus on quick disposal of cases, especially those that involve the seizure or attachment of property earned through illegal activities.
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Speaking to the media on Monday, the Director General of Police (DGP) Vinay Kumar said that the Bihar Police headquarters has sent a formal proposal to the state government for setting up 100 fast track courts across the state. These courts will give priority to hearing and deciding pending cases.
“The state police headquarters has sent proposals to government for setting up 100 fast track courts to conduct proceedings of pending cases on a priority basis.”
DGP Kumar mentioned that back in 2005, when Nitish Kumar became the Chief Minister, there were 178 fast track courts already functioning across Bihar.
These courts had significantly helped in reducing the number of criminal cases and in increasing conviction rates.
He also added that these courts were set up between the years 2000 and 2011. However, once they were shut down, the number of pending cases began to increase rapidly.
“In 2005, when Nitish Kumar had assumed power, 178 fast track courts were operational across the state which ensured speedy trial of criminal cases and increased conviction rates.”
He further informed that currently, nearly 17 lakh cases are pending in different courts across Bihar.
The state already has special courts for specific categories, including a POCSO court for child sexual abuse cases, an SC/ST court for crimes against scheduled castes and tribes, and a prohibition court for liquor ban violations.
DGP Kumar made it clear that strong action will be taken against anyone found guilty of earning wealth through illegal means.
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This action will apply to all – whether they are police officers, politicians, or any other professionals.
“Action will be initiated against the accused irrespective of their profession. Action will be taken against corrupt police personnel, politicians and other professionals who have accumulated wealth through unlawful means.”
So far, police have identified 1,172 criminals under 1,249 police stations in Bihar, who have earned properties through illegal methods. Sub-divisional Police Officers (SDPOs) have already sent proposals for attachment of property against 239 such criminals.
“1,172 criminals under 1,249 police stations have been identified, who have amassed assets through unlawful activities.”
“Sub-divisional police officers (SDPOs) have submitted proposals for attachment of property against 239 criminals.”
In addition to this, proposals against 212 more criminals are currently pending with the offices of the concerned Superintendents of Police (SPs). Moreover, 188 cases have already been submitted to the courts, but decisions are still awaited.
Out of all these, in only four cases so far, the courts have issued final orders. These include orders against two criminals from Muzaffarpur district.
“Proposals against 212 criminals were pending at offices of SPs concerned. Besides, 188 proposals have already been submitted to courts, in which decisions are yet to be taken by the courts.”
“In four cases, courts have issued orders, including two criminals of Muzaffarpur.”
Explaining the legal process, DGP Kumar said that once a proposal is submitted in court for attachment of property, the court will first issue a notice to the concerned criminal, asking for their response within 14 days.
“The respective courts will issue notices to criminals against whom proposals for attachment of property have been submitted, seeking their opinion within 14 days.”
If the accused fails to respond to the notice within the given time, then the court has the authority to proceed with an ex-parte decision – which means a decision can be taken without the accused being present.
“The courts have power to take ex-party decisions, if the criminals fail to reply to notices within the stipulated period.”
DGP Kumar also said that investigating officers (IOs) have been given more powers. Now they can decide whether a property attachment proposal should be sent to their senior officers. This depends on the nature of the offence and the value of the property involved.
“The investigating officers (IOs) have been given special powers to take decisions about the offenders against whom proposals for attachment of property have to be given to their seniors.”
“It will depend on the nature of offences they have been involved and value of property they have earned through illegal means.”
He stressed that attaching properties of criminals is an important move in reducing their influence and breaking their confidence. He also said that the overall crime rate in the state has come down in recent months.
“Property attachment is considered to be a significant step towards breaking the morale of anti-socials.” “Cases in all heads have declined considerably in recent months.”
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