3 hrs ago
Maharashtra’s Aheri Court Faces 31 UAPA Cases Amid Delays
A court in Aheri was created to hear serious cases closer to people living in remote parts of Maharashtra.
Many of these cases involve the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, or UAPA.
The court currently has 31 such cases waiting to be decided.
Many accused people have spent years in jail while their trials continue.
Witnesses often travel for hours by bus through forest areas to attend hearings.
Some prisoners are brought to court through video calls because their jails are far away.
The court now has three presiding officers, including two handling UAPA cases.
Even so, travel problems, staff changes and weak internet connections continue to slow the trials.
The Aheri Additional District and Sessions Court has 31 pending UAPA cases, most pending for at least five years.
The court opened in 2023 to bring trials closer to remote villages in Gadchiroli district and speed up justice.
Two additional courts were added in April, including two designated to hear UAPA cases.
Witness travel, distant prisons, judicial vacancies and unreliable videoconferencing continue to delay proceedings.
Three UAPA cases have been disposed of at Aheri since January, all ending in acquittals.
- Who
- The Aheri court, UAPA accused persons, witnesses, police and prosecutors are involved.
- What
- The court has 31 pending UAPA cases, many of which have been unresolved for five years or more.
- Where
- At the Aheri Additional District and Sessions Court in Gadchiroli district, Maharashtra, which covers more than 700 villages.
- When
- The court opened in 2023; records cited in the report were current to July 31, with three cases disposed of since January.
- Why
- The court was established to bring trials closer to remote villages and improve disposal, but difficult travel, judicial vacancies and videoconferencing problems have contributed to delays.
Improved Local Access
Continuing Trial Delays
Effect of the Aheri court
Improved Local Access
The Aheri Bar Association says cases are now heard closer to the alleged crimes, reducing travel for residents of nearby villages.
Continuing Trial Delays
The court still has 31 pending UAPA cases, most dating back five years or more, and it was without a judge for periods during 2025.
Expansion versus practical obstacles
Improved Local Access
The addition of two courts and three presiding officers is intended to speed up disposal, with two officers assigned to UAPA cases.
Continuing Trial Delays
Witnesses face long journeys and strict transport schedules, while accused persons in distant jails rely on videoconferencing affected by connectivity problems.
Impact on accused persons
Improved Local Access
Three cases have been concluded since January, showing that the court has begun disposing of cases.
Continuing Trial Delays
Because UAPA imposes stringent bail restrictions, prolonged trials can mean prolonged incarceration for undertrials; all three completed cases ended in acquittals.
Key facts
- Pending UAPA cases at Aheri
- 31
- Pending UAPA cases across Maharashtra
- 72
- Court opening
- 2023
- Jurisdiction
- More than 700 villages, including Etapalli, Bhamragad and Mulchera
- Additional courts
- Two added in April; both designated to hear UAPA cases
- Cases disposed of since January
- Three, all ending in acquittals
- Distance from district headquarters
- More than 120 kilometres
Quotes
A court official
An official discussing the logistical and procedural difficulties affecting UAPA trials
“One of the challenges for trials under UAPA is to ensure that there is quick disposal as accused remain behind bars while the trial is ongoing.”
indianexpress.com
Rajendra Prasad Menganwar
President of the Aheri Bar Association
“There was one court initially after the Aheri court was inaugurated. Now, there are three presiding officers, two of whom have charge to hear UAPA cases.”
indianexpress.com
Sources
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