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2023 (2) TMI 1287 - DELHI HIGH COURTCalling witness for the purpose of examination - jurisdiction under Section 311 Cr.P.C. was properly exercised or not - HELD THAT:- The object of Section 311 Cr.P.C is that there may not be a failure of justice on account of the mistake of either party in bringing the valuable evidence on record or leaving ambiguity in the statements of the witnesses examined from either side. A bare reading of Section 311 would show that this section vests in the courts the power to summon any person as a witness or to recall and reexamine any witness at any stage of the inquiry, trial, or other proceedings under the code if his evidence appears to be essential for the just decision of the case. It will not be an improper exercise of the powers of the court under section 311 Cr.P.C. to summon a witness merely because the evidence supports the case of the prosecution and not that of the accused - The function of the criminal court is to administer justice and not to evaluate the parties on the basis of their performance. In the present case, the allegations include that of the forgery of a letter of the then Minister and thus are quite serious in nature. It is correct that this witness had not appeared before the Court despite having opportunities been given. There may also be a possibility that there might be some lethargy on the part of the prosecution but it is the duty of the Court to ensure that justice should be done and a criminal trial should conclude with the desired objective of the quest for justice. Suppose this witness is not examined, the Court or this case shall always be deprived of some material facts which could have been produced. Taking into account the timeline, which shall expire in the middle of April, the CBI is directed to examine PW C. Edmonds Allen through video conferencing on the date set up by the learned Trial Court.CBI shall not be given more than two opportunities for examining this witness. If the witness fails to appear on these two dates or CBI fails to examine (except for some technical reason), the right to his examination shall automatically stand closed. The learned Trial Court shall also give an opportunity to the defence for the statement of the accused and the defence witnesses, if any, on a day-to-day basis. The Learned Trial Court may fix a schedule accordingly to ensure that the trial is completed within the time frame given by the Hon'ble Supreme Court. The present petition along with the pending applications are allowed and disposed of.
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