The Hindu : New Delhi News : Trial court asked to finish Uphaar case hearing by August 31

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Friday, Jun 01, 2007
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New Delhi

Trial court asked to finish Uphaar case hearing by August 31

Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court on Thursday ordered a lower court conducting trial of the Uphaar fire tragedy case to hear it on a day-to-day basis and complete the proceedings on or before August 31.

As many as 59 people were suffocated to death while watching the Hindi movie "Border'' at Uphaar cinema on June 13, 1997.

A Division Bench of the Court comprising Justice Mukul Mudgal and Justice P. K. Bahsin said Additional Sessions Judge Mamata Sehgal would begin the day-to-day trial from July 2 and not grant any adjournment on the grounds of non-availability of counsel.

The Bench directed the District and Sessions Judge to ensure that no fresh matter is assigned to her till the set deadline. Other matters listed before her should be rescheduled accordingly and in case of extreme urgency they might be marked to other courts, the Bench said.

The Bench fixed the deadline after accommodating the time period the accused persons said they would require individually to complete the remaining part of the proceedings. If for any reason it was found not possible to adhere to the schedule, the trial court was directed to seek extension of the time granted by the High Court.

The directions came on a petition by the Association of Victims of Uphaar Tragedy seeking a speedy trial of the case.

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