Mumbai: Expedite Jerrit John’s trial, HC to sessions court

The Bombay high court has asked the sessions court to quickly proceed with the trial of film producer Jerrit John, who has been in jail since 2012.

The Bombay high court (HC) has asked the sessions court to quickly proceed with the trial of film producer Jerrit John, who has been in jail since 2012. Justice SS Jadhav made the remark, while hearing a bail application filed by John, which the bench then proceeded to reject.

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John was charged with attacking his former girlfriend, Aryanka Hosbetkar, by flinging acid on her on November 2012.

John was first booked under sections relating to causing grievous hurt and wrongful confinement, with the police later pressing the attempt to murder charge against him. “…the learned sessions court is requested to make an endeavour to conclude the recording of evidence as early as possible, preferably within the time prescribed by this court,” said the order, passed before the court closed for vacations.

John was first denied bail by the high court last May, and subsequently withdrew a second bail application in April this year after the court said he could apply again should the trial not be over within six months.

As the trial would not be concluded before October 22, John moved another bail application.

“[The advocate for John] further submits that justice delayed is justice denied, and therefore prays that the learned sessions court shall be requested once again to conclude the recording of evidence within the time prescribed by this court,” said the order. “However, since the trial has commenced, this court is not inclined to enlarge [John] on bail.”

In May, the high court had refused to quash the attempt to murder charge against John, following an application made by him.