New Delhi, Feb. 21 -- The Delhi High Court has emphasized that a speedy trial is indeed in the interest of an accused who claims innocence.

However, expediting a trial should not come at the expense of its fairness, as that would go against all principles of justice. The Court made this statement while allowing an accused in the Delhi Riots case to recall a prosecution witness for cross-examination.

The Court suggested that adjourning the trial to a shorter date would be a balanced and appropriate course of action for the trial court to adopt.

"We must not delude ourselves into believing that the purpose of an expeditious trial would be served by denying an accused a fair and reasonable opportunity to cross-examine a prosecution witnes...