MCOCA, POTA courts back in action

Two judges from the sessions court will preside over the special Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) courts, following a notification from the Bombay high court on Tuesday.

Two judges from the sessions court will preside over the special Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) courts, following a notification from the Bombay high court on Tuesday.

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The two courts in question were unable to hear MCOCA matters after judges presiding over them were transferred, said sources in the high court. “Out of the three designated courts, only one was functional as the other two courts were not given appropriate notifications,” said advocate Farhana Shah.

Special public prosecutor Rohini Salian confirmed that along with MCOCA, similar notifications were issued for the designation of a special Prevention of Terrorism Act court. “With the notification, there will be a total of three MCOCA courts as well as one POTA court, which was also awaiting notification,” Salian said.

These notifications have come as a boon to the overburdened trial court. “So many cases have been stalled due to lack of courts. These new courts will help clear the backlog as well help dispose of pending cases,” Shah said.

The special MCOCA courts, hearing several serious cases, have been waiting for presiding judges since May. “Cases have been held up due to lack of courts. How many cases could one court hear?” said Shah.