A Bill for an Act to Amend the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015 to Provide for the Right of a Nominal Complainant to Engage a Private Legal Practitioner to Prosecute a Case in the Event of Transfer or Unavailability of a Government Legal Officer Assigned to the Case; and for Related Matters

Abstract

This Bill seeks to amend the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015 by seeking to address instances where criminal proceedings are stalled due to the transfer or unavailability of a legal officer from the relevant legal department. The amendment empowers a nominal complainant, who has formally reported a criminal matter to the police, to apply through the court for leave to engage the services of a private legal practitioner to prosecute the case on behalf of the State. This measure aims to prevent delays in the administration of justice and ensure the continuous and diligent prosecution of criminal matters in the interest of justice.