SC grants final extension to CBI Court till '31st August' for conclusion of Criminal Trial & Judgment in Ayodhya Case

The SC on May 8, 2020 {STATE (THROUGH) CENTRAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION v. SHRI KALYAN SINGH (FORMER CM OF UP) AND ORS.} held that despite nine months having expired, the court still find, on a perusal of the letter dated 06th May, 2020, written by Shri Yadav, learned Special Judge that even the evidence is not yet completed. It was held that video conferencing facilities are available and should be used by Shri Yadav in order to complete all evidence as well as applications that may be filed in that behalf. It was held that it is up to Shri Yadav to control the proceedings in accordance with law so that inordinate delay that is beyond the time frame that the SC now give, is no longer breached. 

It was further held by the SC Bench, comprising of Justice Rohinton Fali Nariman & Justice Surya Kant, that having taken the letter dated 06th May, 2020, into consideration, the Court extends the period to complete evidence and deliver judgment till 31 August, 2020. 

In the present case, the SC earlier passed an order qua criminal trial of infamous Babri Demolition Case, by lastly directing the trial to be completed and judgment be given by CBI Court in time bound manner, vide order dated 19 July, 2019. It was directed in order dated 19 July, 2019 that the evidence of both sides should be completed within a period of six months from that date and that judgment in the case should be delivered within a period of nine months from that date. However, as it could not be complied and the trial is yet to be concluded, the letter dated 06 May, 2020 was sent seeking extension of time by CBI Judge to Supreme Court, and on which the aforesaid extension was granted by the SC.

The SC held that, however, given the original time frame and the extended time frame, the effort must now be to complete the proceedings and deliver judgment latest by 31st August, 2020.