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PLD 2021 Federal Statutes 638 PLD 2021 Federal Statutes 638 ACT XXX OF 2021 ANTI-RAPE (INVESTIGATION AND TRIAL) ACT, 2021 An Act to ensure expeditious redressal of rape and sexual abuse crimes in respect of women and children through special investigation teams and special Courts providing for efficacious procedures, speedy trial, evidence and matters connected therewith or incidental thereto; [Gazette of Pakistan Extraordinary, Part I, 4th December, 2021] No. F. 22(3)/2021-Legis, dated 3.12.2021.---The following Act of Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament) received the assent of the President on the 1st December, 2021 is hereby published for general information:- It is hereby enacted as follows:- 18. Appeal.---(1) Any person aggrieved by the final judgment of a Special Court may file an appeal to a High Court in whose jurisdiction the Special Court tendering the impugned judgment, is situated. (2) Copies of the judgment of the Special Court shall be supplied to the accused and the prosecution, free of cost, on the day the judgment is pronounced, whereafter the record of the trial shall be transmitted to the concerned High Court within three days of the decision. (3) An appeal under subsection (1) may be preferred within thirty days of the final judgment by the Special Court. (4) An appeal preferred under subsection (1) shall be decided by a division bench of the High Court, as soon as practicable, preferably within six months from its institution. (5) While hearing an appeal, the High Court shall not grant more than two consecutive adjournments. (6) Pending appeal, the High Court shall not release a person convicted by the trial court.