HC moved seeking APPs at Attappady, Mannarkkad courts

Victims Information, Sensitisation, Welfare and Assistance Society (VISWAS), a voluntary organisation working for the welfare of the victims of crimes and excesses, has demanded that the government appoint assistant public prosecutors (APPs) to the magistrate courts at Mannarkkad and Attappady.

VISWAS India secretary general P. Premnath said here on Thursday that the Mannarkkad and Attappady courts were currently facing vacancies following the transfer of the prosecutors serving there.

In a memorandum submitted to the Kerala High Court and the Home Department, Mr. Premnath pointed out the difficulties caused by the absence of prermanent prosecutors at the two courts and called for urgent intervention to ensure the smooth conduct of criminal cases in Attappady and Mannarkkad.

The Magistrate Court in Attappady was established in 2024 following years of persistent demands. Initially, the APP from Mannarkkad Court attended the Attappady Court only twice a week.

Although a separate APP post was later created for Attappady, it remained vacant for most of the time. A dedicated prosecutor was appointed only recently.

However, a transfer order issued last week moved the prosecutors serving at both Attappady and Mannarkkad, and no replacements have been appointed. The vacancies have raised concerns over the handling of cases in both courts.

VISWAS India warned that APPs from other courts in Palakkad district may be assigned additional responsibility for prosecution work at Attappady and Mannarkkad.

Since they must first attend to cases in their own courts, their availability at the two courts could be limited. The travel required to reach Mannarkkad and Attappady from other parts of the district could further complicate these arrangement, Mr. Premnath cautioned.

Pointing to the criminal cases pending before the Attappady Magistrate Court, including those involving members of tribal communities, Mr. Premnath called for the immediate appointment of APPs to both courts to ensure the effective conduct of criminal proceedings.