HC asks govt why appeal denied, says it ‘erodes faith’ in system

The Uttarakhand high court criticized the state law department for failing to challenge the trial court’s order acquitting three accused of killing a lawyer in Haridwar. The court warned the principal secretary (law) to be more careful and reposted the case for hearing. The court found enough material for filing an appeal against the acquittal and was surprised to learn that the government had refused permission to file an appeal. The court disapproved of the principal secretary’s stance and stated that judicial officers in the law department should identify the infirmities in the judgment and the possible grounds for appeal.