Category: Criminal Procedure Code

ISSUE:

Whether the High Court erred in granting bail to the accused despite prima facie material indicating their involvement in the conspiracy to murder Madhumita Shukla?

Whether the accused’s conduct, including interference with the investigation and attempts to influence witnesses, warranted cancellation of bail?

Whether the High Court failed to consider the correct legal parameters while granting bail, particularly the gravity of the offense, severity of punishment, and potential for obstruction of justice?

RULE:

Bail may be denied where prima facie material shows that the accused has attempted to interfere with the administration of justice by influencing witnesses, fabricating evidence, or misleading the investigation.

A co-accused’s confession, even if retracted, is not inadmissible per se and may be considered as corroborative evidence when supported by independent material.

The gravity of the offense, severity of potential punishment, and likelihood of tampering with evidence are crucial factors in deciding bail.

Post-bail conduct of the accused, including intimidation of witnesses or manipulation of evidence, can justify cancellation of bail regardless of prior judicial discretion.

ISSUE:

Whether Section 216 CrPC applies to summons trials?

Whether the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (Railways), Jodhpur, was competent to direct a retrial?

Whether the amendment of the accusation was legally justified under Section 216 CrPC?

RULE:

Section 216 CrPC applies to all trials, including summons trials, as its purpose is to ensure the accused is fully informed of the accusation. The absence of a formal charge in summons trials does not bar the magistrate from altering the accusation to correct defects. The classification of trials in CrPC exists for procedural efficiency but does not limit the court’s power to amend the charge when necessary to ensure a fair trial.

A retrial nullifies prior proceedings, requiring fresh evidence and re-examination of witnesses. It is not to be ordered unless authorized by law. Section 217 CrPC provides for recalling witnesses in case of charge alteration but does not permit a fresh trial. The magistrate had no authority to direct retrial, as it would amount to giving the prosecution an opportunity to fill gaps in evidence, which is impermissible.

The accusation must correctly reflect the offense to ensure a fair trial. If an incorrect section is applied, the court has the power to amend it under Section 216 CrPC. In this case, the charge should have been under Section 225A IPC instead of Section 225 IPC. The amendment was necessary and within the magistrate’s power, but ordering a retrial was not justified.

ISSUE:

Whether the appellant was entitled to legal representation as a matter of right in the High Court?

Whether the failure to provide legal representation vitiated the appellate proceedings?

RULE:

Legal representation is fundamental to a fair trial. A person accused of an offense, particularly one involving deprivation of liberty, must have the opportunity to secure legal representation. The right to a fair procedure encompasses legal assistance when the accused is indigent or unable to engage a lawyer.

Legal aid is not confined to the trial stage but extends to appeals. The right to legal representation continues throughout all stages of criminal proceedings, including appellate review. The statutory framework and constitutional principles make no distinction between trial and appeal in ensuring access to legal assistance.

Proceedings conducted without ensuring legal representation to an indigent accused are constitutionally defective. A conviction obtained under such circumstances is tainted with procedural irregularity, violating the principles of fairness and due process under Article 21 of the Constitution.