New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday asked the Gujarat government to explain the inordinate delay in the trial of the rape case involving self-styled “godman” Asaram Bapu.
A bench comprising Justices N.V. Ramana and Amitava Roy asked Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta appearing for Gujarat as to why the victim has not been examined so far.
The court in April had directed the trial court in Gujarat to expedite the examination of prosecution witnesses while rejecting the bail plea of Asaram.
Senior counsel Sanjay Hegde, appearing for the petitioner informed the Bench that the proceedings in Gujarat are lagging behind and there is inordinate delay in examination of witnesses. He said many prosecution witnesses had not been examined so far and at this rate it will take a long time for conclusion of the trial.
