Lucknow, Feb. 6 -- The special judge for SC/ST Act cases on Thursday took serious note of delays in the hearing of criminal cases that have been pending for years. The court clarified that unnecessary delays in very old cases are not in the interest of justice, and the expeditious disposal of such cases is essential in the interest of justice. The court has issued orders for strict action against the investigating officers in two separate cases. The first case relates to a case registered in 2003 at Krishnanagar police station against Ataullah Khan and others, which has been pending for a long time. In this case, the then investigating officer, Praveen Kumar Rai, currently posted as joint secretary in the Union Home Ministry, was ordered to appear in court to prove the prosecution records. When the investigating officer sought a long adjournment citing his busy schedule, the court expressed its disapproval and directed that proceedings be initiated against him. The next hearing in this case is scheduled for February 21. The second case relates to a case registered in 2011 at Sarojini Nagar police station against Chand and others under the SC/ST Act and other sections. In this case, the investigating officer's testimony has not yet been recorded. The court ordered the issuance of an arrest warrant against the then investigating officer and Additional Superintendent of Police, Sanjay Kumar, who has not appeared for cross-examination for almost 12 years. The court commented that the proceedings in the case have not progressed for years due to the uncooperative attitude of the witness. The next hearing in this case is scheduled for February 23....