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High Court Of Madhya Pradesh
Nevaskar, J.
CHATURBHUJ - Appellant
Versus
NAHARKHAN - Respondents
Criminal Ref. 78 Of 1956
Decided On : 02/14/1957
Section 204 - Criminal Procedure Code - Mandatory provisions of Section 204 (1-A) and (1-B) - The court held that the filing of the list of prosecution witnesses is essential unless the complainant is the only witness in the case, and that along with the summons or warrant issued under Sub-section (1), a copy of the complaint ought to be sent to the accused. The Magistrate failed to comply with these mandatory provisions, and the reference was accepted, directing the Magistrate to comply with the provisions before proceeding with the trial.
Fact of the Case:
The Magistrate issued process against the accused without complying with the mandatory provisions of Section 204 (1-A) and (1-B). The accused filed a revision petition, and a compromise petition was filed in the Court, which was not considered due to the nature of the offence. The Magistrate did not apply the new procedure brought about by the introduction of Sub-sections (1-A) and (1-B) in Section 204 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.
Finding of the Court:
The court found that the Magistrate failed to comply with the mandatory provisions of Section 204 (1-A) and (1-B) and accepted the reference, directing the Magistrate to comply with the provisions before proceeding with the trial.
Issues: Non-compliance with mandatory provisions of Section 204 (1-A) and (1-B) of the Criminal Procedure Code.
Ratio Decidendi: The filing of the list of prosecution witnesses is essential unless the complainant is the only witness in the case, and along with the summons or warrant issued under Sub-section (1), a copy of the complaint ought to be sent to the accused. The Magistrate failed to comply with these mandatory provisions, and the reference was accepted, directing the Magistrate to comply with the provisions before proceeding with the trial.
Final Decision: The reference was accepted, and the Magistrate was directed to comply with the provisions of Section 204 (1-A) and (1-B) before proceeding with the trial.
( 1 ) A complaint was filed by one Naharkhan son of Ghasikhan Musalman of babrecha against the accused Chaturbhuj son of Kishanji of the same place under section 211, I. P. C. The Magistrate examined the complainant but without complying with the mandatory provisions of Section 204 (1-A) and (1-B ). He directed issue of process against the accused. Accused preferred revision petition in the Court of the Sessions Judge, Ratlam. The revision petition was heard by the additional Sessions Judge, Ratlam. According to the learned Additional Sessions judge it was not competent for the Magistrate to issue process without complying with the mandatory provisions in Section 204 (1-A) and (1-B ). He, therefore, has made this reference.
( 2 ) A petition has been filed in this Court purporting to have been signed by the accused Chaturbhuj and the complainant Naharkhan stating that they had compromised the matter out of Court and that for that reason, the proceeding may be dismissed. The complaint in the present case relates to an offence under section 211, I. P. C. , which is not a compoundable offence. Under these circumstances I cannot take notice of this petition. Neither Chaturbhuj nor naharkhan are present.
( 3 ) HAVING regard to the wordings of Section 204, Clauses (1-A) and (1-B), it seems to me that filing of the list of prosecution witnesses is essential unless the complainant is the only witness in the case. It further appears that along with the summons or warrant issued under Sub-section (1), copy of the complaint ought to be sent to the accused. It appears from the first proceeding dated 14-3-1956, that the learned Magistrate did not apply his mind to the change in the new procedure brought about by the introduction of Sub-sections (1-A) and (1-B) in Section 204 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. He seems to have proceeded according to the old unamended provisions. This was not correct. The reference, is therefore, accepted. The Magistrate shall comply with provisions of Section 204 (1-A) and (1b)after duly applying his mind to the same and then shall proceed with the trial of the case in accordance with law.
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