Shraddha Walkar Murder Case: Delhi High Court Refuses To Fix Timeline For Trial, Notes Case Being Heard On Daily Basis

The Delhi High Court on Friday refused to pass urgent directions in a plea seeking time-bound conclusion of the trial in the Shraddha Walkar murder case. [2026 LiveLaw (Del) 712]

Aaftab Poonawalla allegedly killed his live-in partner Shraddha Walkar in 2022. It has been alleged that he chopped her body into 35 pieces and disposed the pieces in batches in forests of the national capital.

Filed by the deceased's brother, the plea contended that the prolonged proceedings have prevented the family from performing her last rites as several of her recovered remains continue to be retained as case property.

Justice Madhu Jain noted that the trial court is making every endeavour to conclude the proceedings as soon as possible.

“No further directions are required to be passed at this stage when the trial is being conducted on a day to day basis. The petition is disposed of,” the Court said.

The plea sought directions upon the trial court to conclude the trial within a fixed timeframe and to avoid unnecessary adjournments.

During the hearing today, the counsel appearing for the brother submitted that it is a case which shocked the conscience of entire nation when it came to the limelight in 2023.

On Court's query as to what is the status of trial, Senior Counsel Amit Prasad appearing for Delhi Police said that out of total 222 witnesses, 157 have been examined and that examination in chief is pending for 6 of them, out of which 4 witnesses are overseas who have to be examined through VC.

He told that cross examination of 14 witnesses are pending and that the trial is being conducted on a day to day basis except Saturdays and Sundays.

The petitioner's counsel said that only 23 witnesses have been examined since 2023. Presently 43 witnesses have been left and it will take two three years for trial to conclude, he added.

Accordingly, the Court closed the plea while requesting the Union Ministries of Home Affairs and External Affairs to expedite facilitation of overseas witnesses as and when a direction to that effect is passed by the trial court.

According to the plea, despite the completion of investigation, framing of charges in May 2023 and substantial progress in recording evidence, the trial has remained pending for over four years. It states that 171 out of 221 prosecution witnesses have been examined and only 50 witnesses remain.

The petition argued that the delay has caused continuing emotional, psychological and spiritual trauma to the victim's family as they have been unable to perform Shraddha Walkar's funeral rites.

It contended that the right to dignity under Article 21 of the Constitution of India extends to dignified treatment and disposal of mortal remains, and that the continued retention of the mortal remains has resulted in an ongoing violation of the family's constitutional rights.

The brothers stated that the Trial Court had, by an order dated July 6, 2024, directed that the trial be conducted expeditiously on a day-to-day basis, but he alleges that repeated adjournments have frustrated the object of that order.

“Such cases warrant day-to-day proceedings to ensure that the dignity of the deceased and the rights of the surviving family members are not indefinitely compromised. The Petitioners do not seek any direction on the merits of the prosecution or the defence. The limited relief sought is an order directing the learned Trial Court to conclude the proceedings within a fixed timeframe so that the remains of the deceased may lawfully be released for the performance of the last rites,” the plea stated.

Charges were framed against accused Poonawala in May last 2023 for murdering Shraddha Walkar and disappearance of evidence.

Poonawalla had pleaded not guilty and claimed trial in the case.

Title: SHREEJAY VIKAS WALKAR v. AAFTAB AMIN POONEWAK & ORS

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (Del) 712