Period for recording of evidence of child and disposal of case
Full Text
(1) The evidence of the child shall be recorded within a period of thirty days of the Special Court taking cognizance of the offence and reasons for delay, if any, shall be recorded by the Special Court.
(2) The Special Court shall complete the trial, as far as possible, within a period of one year from the date of taking cognizance of the offence.
Plain English Summary
Mandates recording the child evidence within 30 days of taking cognizance with recorded reasons for delay, and completing the entire trial within one year.
Key Legal Elements
- Recording child witness evidence within 30 days of cognizance
- Mandatory recording of written reasons by Special Court for any delay beyond 30 days
- Trial completion target within one year from the date of taking cognizance
Practical Note
While Section 35(2) is directory ("as far as possible"), prolonged delays beyond one year without recording victim evidence under 35(1) are heavily relied upon by defence advocates to secure regular bail on grounds of violation of Article 21 and the right to a speedy trial.
हिंदी पाठ
(1) विशेष न्यायालय द्वारा अपराध का संज्ञान लेने के तीस दिन की अवधि के भीतर बालक का साक्ष्य (गवाही) अभिलिखित किया जाएगा और यदि कोई विलंब होता है तो उसके कारणों को विशेष न्यायालय द्वारा दर्ज किया जाएगा।
(2) विशेष न्यायालय, जहां तक संभव हो, अपराध का संज्ञान लेने की तारीख से एक वर्ष की अवधि के भीतर विचारण पूरा करेगा।