A view of the Sakchi civil court. Picture by Uma Shanker Dubey

What difficulties do public prosecutors face during the trial ?

Ashit Ranjan
Adityapur

The court often serves summons to witnesses a few days before the hearing of a case. As a result, witnesses, who live in remote areas, are unable to make it to the hearing. Again there have been times when witnesses arrived late in court. All these factors delay speedy disposal of cases.

This apart, investigating officers (IOs) and doctors, who conducted the post-mortem, often turn up late for the hearing as they have been transferred to other districts. The government should record the permanent address of the investigating officers so that even if they are transferred to other places they can be contacted.

What type of cases do public prosecutor have to deal with? Do you have officials to assist you during trial?

Arvind Choubey
Golmuri

We deal with all types of criminal cases. We also take up the cases at the sessions court. There are 19 additional public prosecutors who assist me. I have deputed two additional public prosecutors to monitor proceedings in the fast-track courts and the courts of the additional district and sessions judge.

Do you hold regular meetings to review pending cases ?

Ashok Jha
Circuit House Area

We have a monitoring cell, headed by the district judge, which reviews pending cases every two months. The deputy commissioner and the superintendent of police of East Singhbhum are members of the cell.

What options does a public prosecutor have when a witness turns hostile ?

Neha Sharad
Mango

Once the witness turns hostile we are left with practically no options. This is one of the major reason why the state loses so many murder and rape cases.

Is the salary structure of public prosecutors adequate ?

Mohan Singh
Sonari

Compared to other states the pay structure of public prosecutors in Jharkhand is dismal. However, the hike in pay scale of advocate-generals has come as a ray of hope.

We are hoping that the government will also increase our salaries. After all if public prosecutors in neighbouring states like Orissa and West Bengal can get a decent salary why can’t we?

Do you think that an amendment is required to increase the powers of public prosecutors ?

Sanjiv Kumar
Burmamines

In think we have adequate power. I don’t think that an amendment is required in this regard.

What steps should to be taken to ensure that the state wins more cases?

Ajit Banerjee
Telco

Every civil court should have a special cell, comprising a sub-inspector with two constables, that will ensure that summons are served to witnesses on time. At present this is a major stumbling block for the state.

You were the public prosecutor during the trial of Chaitali and Rizwan, the main accused in a murder case who were awarded death sentence by the district court. What were the difficulties you faced while handling the case?

Asit Sinha
Sidhgora

In the case of Chaitali and Rizwan not a single culprit went scot free as none of the witnesses turned hostile and they appeared for the hearings on time. Fortunately for us all the witnesses, investigating officers and doctors appeared on time during the trial of this case. I must mention that the district police helped us a great deal in the case.

Did you come under pressure from politicians or the culprit’s family while dealing with any case?

Aditya Prakash
Sakchi

During my tenure as public prosecutor in East Singhbhum, I have dealt with several criminal. But I don’t recall any incident when I was pressurised by anyone to lose the case intentionally. I have maintained my dignity.