Judge slams cops for delaying trials

Shewale also warned that cops would have to bear the ‘delaying cost' followed by the ‘contempt of court' action.u00a0Shewale took serious cognisance of such misconduct by police after bus driver Santosh Mane - who was sentenced to death in April for killing 9 people at Swargate - was produced in court around noon.

Mane's case was referred back to Pune's Sessions Court by Bombay High Court recently for recording his statement regarding the conviction and quantum of punishment.u00a0

Shewale also maintained that such ‘trial delaying practices' would be brought to the notice of the high court, DG (Prison) and state home department. District Government Pleader Ujjwala Pawar told the court that the jail authorities would be informed about the courts instructions for future trials.

Background
On January 25, 2012, Mane, a driver employed by the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) had stolen a bus from the MSRTC Swargate depot and mowed down nine people and injured 37 others with his reckless driving.

Question Hour
What the judge asked Santosh Mane:

> When were you awarded the punishment?
> Which jail were you kept in?
> Were you alone in the cell or with others?
> Did you have breakfast?
> Who visited you while you were in jail?
> Which hospital were you treated at?
> How many medicines did you take?
> How did you feel when you received the sentence?u00a0