IN THE HIGH COURT OF HIMACHAL PRADESH AT SHIMLA
RAKESH KAINTHLA, J.
Sandeep Sharma – Petitioner
Versus
State of H.P. and Others – Respondents
Cr. MMO No. 315 of 2022
Decided On : 21-12-2023
Section 311 - Examination of Witnesses - 363, 366, 376, 34 of IPC and Section 4 of POCSO Act - 311 Cr.P.C. - 2021 SCC Online SC 172, 2014 13 SCC 59, 2017 9 SCC 340, 2019 14 SCC 328, 2021 14 SCC 1, 2019 6 SCC 203, 1999 6 SCC 110, 2006 3 SCC 374 - The court discussed the application of Section 311 of Cr.P.C. and its interpretation by various judgments, emphasizing the discretionary power of the court to summon, examine, or recall witnesses at any stage of the trial if their evidence is essential to the just decision of the case. The court highlighted the need for exercising this power judiciously and for strong and valid reasons, ensuring that the truth is discovered and a fair trial is upheld. The judgment also addressed the misconception of filling up lacunae in the prosecution's case and emphasized the duty of the court to allow the prosecution to correct errors in the interest of justice.
Fact of the Case:
The petitioner and proforma respondent were facing trial for offences under Sections 363, 366, 376, and 34 of IPC and Section 4 of POCSO Act. The prosecution filed an application under Section 311 of Cr.P.C. for examining and recalling witnesses, which was allowed by the Trial Court. The petitioner challenged this order, alleging prejudice to the defence.
Finding of the Court:
The court found that the Trial Court's order allowing the application under Section 311 of Cr.P.C. was justified, as the evidence of the witnesses sought to be examined and recalled was essential to the just decision of the case. The court emphasized the discretionary power of the court to ensure the discovery of truth and upheld the duty to allow the prosecution to correct errors in the interest of justice.
Issues: The main issue revolved around the Trial Court's decision to allow the application under Section 311 of Cr.P.C. for examining and recalling witnesses, and whether it violated the concept of fair trial available to the accused person.
Ratio Decidendi: The court's analysis focused on the interpretation and application of Section 311 of Cr.P.C. and its discretionary nature, as well as the principles established in various judgments emphasizing the need to exercise this power judiciously and for strong and valid reasons. The court also addressed the misconception of filling up lacunae in the prosecution's case and highlighted the duty of the court to allow the prosecution to correct errors in the interest of justice.
Final Decision: The petition was dismissed, and the Trial Court's order allowing the application under Section 311 of Cr.P.C. was upheld, emphasizing the importance of discovering the truth and ensuring a fair trial.
JUDGMENT :
RAKESH KAINTHLA, J.
1. The present petition has been filed under Section 482 of Cr.P.C. against the order dated 25.02.2022 passed by the learned Additional Sessions Judge, Fast Track Special Court (POCSO), Shimla in Criminal Miscellaneous Petition No. 15-S/4 of 2021 in CIS No. 2053/2021, Sessions Trial No. 70-S/7 of 17/21.
2. It has been asserted that the petitioner and proforma respondent are facing trial for the commission of offences punishable under Sections 363, 366 & 376 read with Section 34 of IPC and Section 4 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (in short ‘POCSO Act’) before the learned Additional Sessions Judge, Fast Track Court (POCSO) Shimla (in short learned Trial Court). The prosecution filed an application under Section 311 of Cr.P.C. for examining LC Sunita, Constable Amit, Constable Pardeep, HHC Layak Ram (retired), and recalling of two witnesses, namely, Constable Vishal and HC Praveen along with Malkhana Register. The petitioner contested the application by filing a reply. Learned Trial Court allowed the application vide order dated 25.02.2022. Learned Trial Court erred in allowing the application because it violates the concept of fair trial available to the accused person because the recalling and examining of witnesses sought by way of application will seriously prejudice the defence raised by the petitioner. The entire defence including the inherent improbabilities and material contradictions in the case of the prosecution stands exposed. The re-examination of witnesses, namely, Vishal and Praveen shall wipe out the legal benefits available to the accused persons. The prosecution is trying to manufacture evidence against the accused by using unfair means. Constable Vishal and HC-Praveen did not utter a single word regarding the case property. Constable Vishal even stated that he remained associated during the investigation and the memos regarding the seizure of the cardigan and motorcycle were prepared in his presence. HC-Parveen Kumar has only deposed about sending the case property through Constable Pradeep to SFSL, Junga and did not depose anything about the deposit of the sample with him by either LC Sunita or Constable Amit. They could not have been legally allowed to be re-examined when they had already been cross-examined and no re-examination was conducted by the prosecution. Learned Special Judge failed to notice that Constable Vishal was never cited as a witness to prove the receipt of the sample of the child witness. The statement under Section 161 of Cr.P.C. does not mention any such fact. No reasons were assigned for not citing LC-Sunita, Constable Amit, Constable Pradeep and HHC Layak Ram as witnesses. The order does not comply with the requirements of Section 311 of Cr.P.C. hence, it was prayed that the present petition be allowed and the order passed by the learned Special Judge be set aside.
3. The application is opposed by filing a reply and making preliminary submission regarding the lack of maintainability. The contents of the application were denied on merits. It was asserted that a charge sheet was filed against the petitioner and proforma respondent after the completion of the investigation. The case is pending trial before the learned Trial Court. Learned Trial Court passed a well-reasoned order after considering all the facts and evidence placed before him. There is no infirmity in the same; therefore, it was prayed that the present petition be dismissed.
4. I have heard Mr. Ajay Kochhar, learned Senior Counsel assisted by Mr. Anubhav Chopra, learned counsel for the petitioner and Mr. Jitender Sharma, learned Additional Advocate General, for the respondent/State.
5. Mr. Ajay Kochhar, learned Senior Counsel submitted that the learned Special Judge erred in allowing the application. The application does not mention any reason why the witnesses sought to be examined by filing the present application were not examined earlier. The application was filed after th
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Power under Section 311 CrPC to recall witnesses is wide, exercisable at any stage if essential for just decision; prosecutorial oversight in not showing material objects earlier is correctable, not ....
The court established that the power under Section 311 CrPC to summon or recall witnesses is essential for ensuring a just decision in criminal trials, and must be exercised with caution to avoid pre....
The wide powers conferred upon the courts under Section 311 CrPC to summon or recall a witness at any stage if their evidence is essential for a just decision.
The court emphasized that the power under Section 311 Cr.P.C. must be exercised judiciously to ensure a fair trial and should not be used merely to fill gaps in evidence.
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 court can recall witnesses under Section 311 Cr.P.C. even after the closure of evidence if their testimony is essential for a just decision.
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