The petitioner herein is the 1st accused in C.C.83/2011 of the Special Court (Vigilance), Kottayam. He has been facing trial along with another person on the allegation of misappropriation from funds, punishable under Section 13(2) read with Section 13(1)(c) of the Prevention of Corruption Act (for short, 'the P.C.Act'), 1988. When the case came up for final hearing after the conclusion of evidence, the learned Additional Legal Advisor to the VACB filed an application for permission to produce a document, and also to examine a witness to prove the said document. It is said to be a letter written by the petitioner to the Chief Minister of Kerala, allegedly containing some admissions amounting to confession. After hearing both sides, the learned trial Judge allowed the application by order dated 11.7.2018. The said order is under challenge, and it is sought to be set aside under Section 482 Cr.P.C.

2. Of course, it is true that the court will have ample powers to examine anybody at any stage of the trial, or to summon any document at any stage of the trial, provided, it is absolutely necessary for the just decision of the case. When a document is sought to be produced at the fa