LI Network
Published on: 19 September 2023 at 16:28 IST
The Delhi High Court has taken a significant step towards ensuring the proper training of newly appointed public prosecutors. In a Suo-Motu Petition, the court raised concerns over the appointment of 60 public prosecutors who had not received any training.
The court directed the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) to collaborate with the Delhi Judicial Academy to address this issue.
The bench, comprising Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Sanjeev Narula, was briefed by Amicus Curiae, Rajeev K. Virmani, who highlighted the absence of a training program for public prosecutors. This revelation prompted the court to emphasize the pivotal role of Public Prosecutors within the criminal court system.
The court stated that the position of a Public Prosecutor is distinctive, as it represents the sovereign and is tasked with facilitating the administration of justice. Unlike ordinary parties in a legal dispute, the Public Prosecutor’s primary objective is not to secure convictions but to ensure fairness and impartiality within the framework of the law, free from undue influence by investigating agencies and the Executive.
Recognizing the responsibilities associated with the role of Public Prosecutors, the bench ordered GNCTD to collaborate with the Delhi Judicial Academy to provide essential training for the newly recruited public prosecutors.
Furthermore, the court instructed GNCTD to submit a status report at the next hearing, detailing the progress on (i) the implementation of training programs and (ii) the current status of vacancies for public prosecutors. The next hearing on this matter is scheduled for November 1, 2023.
The case, titled “Court On Its Own Motion v. State,” underscores the judiciary’s commitment to upholding the integrity and effectiveness of the criminal justice system by ensuring that public prosecutors are adequately prepared to fulfill their vital role.