1. We had by our order dated 3.4.2012 directed the petition to be listed before us for deciding the issue as to whether an accused or a victim of an offence was entitled to a copy of the statement of the victim recorded under S.164, Cr.P.C. by a judicial Magistrate, if an application is duly made and the court fee which is required for obtaining such a copy of such statement is paid by the desirous person.

2. It so happened that while hearing this petition, we are informed that it was in practise in the State of U.P. in various courts that they refuse to supply the certified copies of 164 Cr.P.C. statement of a witness or the victim of an offence even if the party is willing to obtain a copy of such a document and is ready to pay the cost legally admissible for issuing the same.

3. We were in fact not ready to accept the contention. We were, prima facie, of the view that a statement under S.164, Cr.P.C. was required to be recorded by a judicial Magistrate under that particular section in due discharge of his judicial functions and, as such, the act of recording the statement was a judicial act which was performed by a public servant while discharging his judicial functions and in our