Bombay HC Directs Registry to Provide Legible Case Records and DVD Evidence to Convicts in Appeal

In a significant procedural development, the Bombay High Court has issued a directive ensuring that convicts involved in ongoing appellate proceedings receive comprehensive access to their case records, including electronic evidence. The bench, led by Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Gautam A. Ankhad, emphasized the necessity of providing legible documentation to ensure a fair and transparent judicial process.

Ensuring Procedural Fairness

The court addressed several interim applications associated with Confirmation Case No. 3 of 2024 and associated criminal appeals. The primary legal issue centered on the right of the convicts—represented by their counsel—to receive clear, readable versions of case documents and specific electronic evidence labeled as part of the report at Exhibit-115.

The court's decision underscores the vital importance of access to justice, affirming that in criminal appeals—particularly those involving confirmation cases—the defense must be equipped with complete and legible materials to effectively challenge the prosecution’s case.

Case Oversight and Directives

The High Court’s order issued on December 9, 2025, mandates a strict timeline for compliance. The Registry is now tasked with: * Providing legible copies: All documents listed in the appellants' Exhibit-A must be furnished to the counsel for the convicts within four weeks. * Electronic evidence disclosure: Specifically, access to the DVD referred to in the report (Exhibit-115) must be granted as part of these materials. * Paper-book updates: Following the distribution of these files, the court has ordered that the official paper-book be updated to reflect the most current evidence and documentation available to both parties.

Furthermore, in Interim Application No. 4190 of 2025 , the court directed that notice be served to the complainant through the Officer In-Charge of the Kamset Police Station, ensuring all relevant stakeholders are prepared for the next stage of litigation.

Key Observations

The bench highlighted the necessity of these measures to facilitate the legal process efficiently:

> "Let the documents enumerated in Exhibit-A including copy of the DVD be provided to the learned counsel for the convicts within a period of four weeks."

> "Consequently, the paper-book so prepared by the Registry shall be updated and copies thereof be provided to the learned counsels appearing for the parties."

The Next Steps

With the procedural hurdles regarding documentation resolved, the Court has scheduled the matter for continued hearings. The Confirmation Case No. 3 of 2024 and its connected criminal appeals are set to be listed before the bench on January 13, 2026, under the heading “For Directions.”

This ruling serves as a reminder of the court's commitment to maintaining procedural integrity, ensuring that the defendants’ right to counsel is supported by access to the full evidentiary record. The practical impact of this decision is expected to expedite the upcoming appellate hearings by removing disputes over evidence accessibility.