Gujarat High Court Sets Friday Deadline as Rain Delays Prosecutor Decision

The Gujarat High Court on Monday gave the state government until Friday to decide on the appointment of a Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) in a 2019 custodial death case. The case involves Shaikh Babu Nisar, a Telangana migrant worker who died in custody at Vadodara's Fatehgunj police station.

Justice M K Thakker noted that despite an earlier court directive, no decision had been made on whether advocate S I Ghariya should continue as SPP in the long-pending trial. The state government had been asked to clarify its position.

Appearing for the state, the Additional Public Prosecutor informed the court that the District Government Pleader's opinion had been received by the Home Department. However, due to heavy rains and widespread waterlogging across Gujarat, the government had been unable to take a final decision. The state assured the court that a decision is expected shortly.

The court granted additional time until Friday, emphasizing the need for a prompt resolution in the case. The custodial death case has been pending for several years, and the appointment of a SPP is crucial for the trial's progress.

The high court's intervention comes after the family of the deceased sought a speedy trial and expressed concerns over delays in the legal process. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on Friday.