A.Sezhian v. State by, the Inspector of Police
Criminal Procedure – Recall/further cross-examination of prosecution witnesses – Change of counsel
Case brief
What is this about?
Madras High Court, Shamim Ahmed, J., order dated 20.01.2025 in Crl.O.P.No.1012 of 2025 (with Crl.M.P.No.9 of 2024): dismissal of accused's plea to recall and further cross-examine PW1, PW2, PW7 after change of counsel in Prevention of Corruption Act trial before Chief Judicial Magistrate, Chengalpattu; Section 528 BNSS 2023 invoked; sections 7 and 13(2) r/w 13(10(d) PC Act 1988 as printed; recall application held to be a delaying ploy; six-month deadline imposed for completion of trial; no adjournments unless cogent reason; keywords: recall of witnesses, re-examination, change of advocate, expeditious trial, vigilance and anti corruption case, trial court order upheld, no interference.
What did the court decide?
No relief to the petitioner; the Criminal Original Petition is dismissed with no order as to cost, and the trial Court is directed to complete the trial within six months without adjournments unless there is a cogent reason.