No Magistrate or Court can refuse to allow an accused person to cross-examine prosecution witnesses, before charge is framed, and the Magistrates procedure in refusing to allow such cross-examination was most irregular and in contravention of the law. Without going into the larger question whether that procedure has rendered illegal, the charge framed, on evidence so irregularly taken, I consider that the fairest course to the accused is to cancel the charge and direct that the cross-examination of the witnesses be now permitted. I direct accordingly.
In Re. Muthia Chetty v.
In Re. Muthia Chetty v.
(High Court Of Judicature At Madras)
Criminal Revision No. 636 Of 1923. Criminal Revision No. 506 Of 1923) | 11-12-1923
Advocate List
Bench
- HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE WALLACE
Eq Citations
- 81 IND. CAS. 44
- AIR 1924 MAD 735
- LQ/MadHC/1923/445
Head Note
Evidence Act, 1972 — S. 311 — Magistrate's refusal to allow cross-examination of witnesses before framing charge, held, illegal and in contravention of law — Charge framed on evidence so irregularly taken, without going into larger question whether it was illegal, was cancelled and cross-examination of witnesses permitted
