ALAPPUZHA: Trials in 1415 corruption cases involving high-ranking officials and politicians have been stalled for years in the six vigilance courts of the state due to the lack of sufficient prosecutors. There are only three prosecutors in all six courts combined. It takes more than ten years to complete the trial in cases such as the illegal acquisition of property by officials.

Delay in the trial is affecting cases. The trial receives a setback when some of the witnesses defect or some die when the trial comes years later. Some investigators will retire by the time the case comes up for trial. Even if the charge sheet is filed in the case while the accused officials are still in service, the trial cannot be conducted in time.

Although the authorities decided to temporarily appoint prosecutors due to the delay in appointment through PSC, nothing has materialized so far.

Pending cases

1. Muvattupuzha: 389

2. Thiruvananthapuram: 279

3. Thrissur: 249

4. Kottayam: 226

5. Thalassery: 166

6. Kozhikode: 106

Cases in which charge sheet was submitted 5 years ago

Muvattupuzha: 324

Thiruvananthapuram: 121