DT
PT
Subscribe To Print Edition About The Tribune Code Of Ethics Download App Advertise with us Classifieds
search-icon-img
search-icon-img
Advertisement

Dropping witness, HC calls for report from judge

Judge has been asked to explain facts and circumstances under which the step was taken
  • fb
  • twitter
  • whatsapp
  • whatsapp
featured-img featured-img
Punjab and Haryana High Court. File
Advertisement

Finding it “strange” that a victim was given up as a prosecution witness in a pending protection of children from sexual offences (POCSO) trial, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has sought an explanation from Karnal Additional District and Sessions Judge, Fast-Track Special Court (POCSO). The judge has been asked to explain the facts and circumstances under which the step was taken.

Advertisement

As the matter came up for hearing, Justice Amarjot Bhatti’s Bench was told that the trial was pending since long and the victim’s statement was yet to be recorded. An interim order dated July 24, 2024, was also brought to the High Court’s notice vide which the witness-victim was “given up for recording of her statement”.

The Bench was hearing a regular bail plea in the case registered under the provisions of the POCSO Act at the Gharaunda police station in February 2020. Justice Bhatti asserted that recording the victim’s statement was material for the trial’s proper and final adjudication. “It is strange that the victim as prosecution witness has been given up by the public prosecutor and this fact is incorporated in the zimni order dated July 24, 2024. Let the report be called from the Additional District & Sessions Judge/Fast Track Special Court, (POCSO), Karnal, as to under what facts and circumstances the victim as prosecution witness has been given up”. The case will now come up for hearing on May 27.

Advertisement

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
tlbr_img1 Classifieds tlbr_img2 Videos tlbr_img3 Premium tlbr_img4 E-Paper tlbr_img5 Shorts