Smt. Vijayalakshmi Darshan v. State of Karnataka
Case brief
What is this about?
The petitioner, represented by his wife while in judicial custody, sought quashing of a trial court order and physical production before the trial court on all hearing dates. The High Court disposed of the petition after the prosecution agreed to examine material witnesses as per lists provided by the petitioner, defer cross-examination to consecutive dates, and produce the petitioner physically during cross-examination with necessary security. The trial judge is directed to fix two or three consecutive dates for cross-examination by consent of counsel, bind over witnesses, and may extend time if needed. In-camera proceedings for cross-examination are permitted. The court clarified the directions are case-specific and not a precedent.
What did the court decide?
Petition disposed of with directions to prosecution to examine witnesses per lists, bind over witnesses, fix consecutive dates for cross-examination by consent, produce petitioner physically during cross-examination with security, and permit in-camera proceedings.