28 Hearings in last 6 Months, since High Court's Direction in Danielle McLaughlin trial.

The swiftness and alacrity of Danielle McLaughlin brutal rape and even more brutal murder trial has increased considerably. 6 more months to go.

A shrine erected in the memory of Danielle by her friends, where her dead body was discovered.

Yesterday was 232nd hearing of the Danielle McLaughlin Rape and Murder Trial being conducted at Margao Distt & Sessions Court in South Goa.

The trial started on 4th July 2017. More than 6.5 Years back. The trial had been languishing at a snails pace till 17th July 2023, when Hon'ble High Court of Bombay at Goa, issued a direction to Sessions Court to conclude the trial within a span of Year; while hearing a bail plea of the accused, Vikat Bhagat.

Herald Goa published an article of this publication in its Sunday edition of 19th July 2023

In just about 180 days, 28 Hearings of the Trial has concluded; which is a very high number considering the past precidence, prior to 17th July 2023.

This is despite the long festival breaks of Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali and Year end Breaks. Else, the number of hearings would have been much higher.

Not only the number of hearings increased considerably, the seriousness in the business being conducted has also so.

While there has been usual hiccups and deliberate attempts by Defence to delay the process further, as evident in yesterday's summary; still it is so much better

In September 2023, the Clerk of the trial court forgot to issue summons!

The presiding judge has been acting very strict, in any lapses on part of Goa Police personnel, whether it be delivering summons or not presenting the accused in front of the court for the hearing.

Police Inspector of Canacona Police Station , South Goa was issued “Show Cause” notice for delivering Summons via WhatsApp, against the Court's direction

All thanks, to the intervention of Hon'ble High Court of Bombay at Goa.

6 months have concluded since the direction issued by Honourable High Court and 6 more left.

While there is still a lot of work to do and finish, in a time bound manner as directed by Upper Court and the presiding judge of the trial has been emphasising and focussing on it, in almost every hearing.

Police Inspector of Canacona Police Station and Investigation Officers again issued “Show Cause" notices for dereliction of duty in yesterday's hearing by honourable court

With no more long vacations till summer break, the trial of Danielle McLaughlin is expected to take a faster turn, and shall most hopefully finish by the deadline set by High Court which is 16th July 2024.

Luckily we have a day extra this year, on account of Leap Year.

The family and friends who have long bore the brunt of a prolonged and languishing trial for past 6.5 Years; are praying and hoping that Danielle gets justice, this Monsoon.