In cases triable by special judges under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, what is ordinarily the prescribed time period during which the trial should be concluded ?

According to the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018, which amended Section 4 of the original 1988 Act, specific timelines were introduced to ensure the speedy disposal of corruption cases. Section 4(4) mandates that the Special Judge shall make an endeavour to conclude the trial within a period of two years.

However, if the trial cannot be concluded within this initial period, the Special Judge must record reasons for the delay. The period can be extended for six months at a time for reasons recorded in writing. The Act explicitly states that the total period for the completion of the trial, including all such extensions, shall not exceed four years in aggregate. Therefore, while the initial target is two years, the maximum prescribed limit including extensions is four years.