PRATEEK JALAN
Pradeep Dutta – Appellant
Versus
State (NCT Of Delhi) – Respondent
JUDGMENT
Prateek Jalan, J. - The proceedings in the matter have been conducted through hybrid mode [physical and virtual hearing].
1. By way of the present petition under Section 482 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 [hereinafter, 'CrPC'], the petitioner assails an order dated 04.12.2021, passed by the learned Metropolitan Magistrate (South East), Saket Courts, New Delhi [hereinafter, 'MM'] in proceedings arising out of FIR No. 34/2002, dated 04.02.2002, registered at Police Station Greater Kailash-I, under Sections 341, 323, 149 and 34 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 [hereinafter, 'IPC'].
2. The respondent Nos. 2 to 5 herein are the accused in the subject FIR, which was registered at the instance of the petitioner herein. By the impugned order dated 04.12.2021, the MM has rejected an application filed by the petitioner under Section 311 of the CrPC for summoning of two additional witnesses on behalf of the prosecution.
Facts
3. The petitioner and the respondent Nos. 2 to 5 were neighbours. The petitioner is a doctor by profession. The FIR concerns an incident which is alleged to have taken place on 30.01.2002 at 9:50 aM. The petitioner claims to have gone to the residence of the
Manju Devi vs. State of Rajasthan and Anr (2019) 6 SCC 203
Rajaram Prasad Yadav vs. State of Bihar and Anr (2013) 14 SCC 461
Rekha Murarka vs. State of West Bengal and Anr (2020) 2 SCC 474
The power under Section 311 Cr.P.C. must be exercised judiciously and for strong and valid reasons, ensuring a fair trial and the just decision of the case.
Trial court has ample power to summon any person as witness for just decision of case.
Section 311 Cr.P.C. allows courts to summon additional witnesses at any stage for just decision-making, underscoring the importance of ensuring no evidence essential to the truth is left out.
The discretionary power under Section 311 Cr.P.C. should be exercised to recall a witness when such examination is essential for reaching a just decision, and an application should not be rejected so....
The court affirmed that under Section 311 Cr.P.C., witnesses can be summoned at any stage if their testimony is essential for justice, prioritizing truth and fairness in trials.
Login now and unlock free premium legal research
Login to SupremeToday AI and access free legal analysis, AI highlights, and smart tools.
Login
now!
India’s Legal research and Law Firm App, Download now!
Copyright © 2023 Vikas Info Solution Pvt Ltd. All Rights Reserved.