New Delhi:
Many lawyers in Delhi have spent more time at their chambers than in the court room this week. They have hardly attended any cases this week, and that's not just due to public holidays.
Most courts wear a deserted look this week, as undertrials are not being brought to trial courts in the capital between October 21 and 30. Delhi armed police, which is responsible for escorting undertrials from jail to court and back, have all been diverted for security arrangements for the ongoing India-African Summit.
Sources in the Bar Council of Delhi say that's led to a delay in trial of almost 10,000 cases this week, including high-profile cases like the sentencing of Uber rape convict Shiv Kumar Yadav, which has been moved from October 23 to November 3.
Lawyer Shubra Mendiratta, who mostly handles sexual assault cases, describes how such delay adds to the trauma of victims: "Final arguments in the rape case of a victim, who was raped in 2010, was scheduled for October 26. Now it's been pushed back to first week of November. In a POCSO case where a 10 year old has been allegedly raped by her father, the accused was supposed to record statements today. But the summit excuse was used again, and he was not brought to court. Now we have been given a date in May next year, seven months later!"
The Indo-African Summit, which has been on since this week, has seen 42 heads of African nations visiting the country, and over 4000 delegates roaming on the streets of the capital. It is a huge security challenge for the Delhi Police, and at least 5000 policemen have been diverted for the job.
This includes 1500 policemen who were in less active branches of Delhi Police, to manage traffic in the capital, which has been affected especially during the morning rush hour when the summit starts.
"We have brought in additional reinforcements, especially last two days to manage traffic. But we won't inconvenience the public," said Special Commissioner of Police Traffic Muktesh Chandra.