MOHD. AKHTAR Vs. STATE OF JAMMU & KASHMIR

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This Court on 07.05.2018 had passed an elaborate order and issued the following directions:-

(2.) Today, when the matter was called, Mr. Naphade, learned senior counsel assisted by Mr. Shoeb Alam appearing for the State of Jammu and Kashmir has filed a Status Report with regard to the progress of the investigation and the trial. The Report indicates that the charge-sheet has been filed and some witnesses have been examined. It is submitted by Mr. Naphade that though this Court had directed that the trial should be held in-camera, the said objective is frustrated inasmuch as the seven accused persons have engaged as many as 51 advocates. Be that as it may, our direction that the trial shall be held in-camera, shall remain undisturbed. We would only direct the learned trial Judge to ensure that the proceedings in the court room are held in-camera so that only the accused, their lawyers, the public prosecutor and his team and the concerned court staff are allowed to remain present and assist the court during the trial. It means the courtroom proceedings are converted to proceedings in-camera.

(3.) It is further submitted by Mr. Naphade that certain aspects are still under investigation and the investigating agency is acting with quite promptitude for filing supplementary charge-sheet. He has apprised us that the supplementary charge-sheet shall be filed within six to eight weeks.