The Supreme Court held that courts must use Section 311 CrPC only when the evidence is absolutely necessary to reach the truth. It set aside the High Court order allowing examination of a minor witness at a very late stage, saying it would delay the trial and prejudice the accused.
The Supreme Court has taken suo motu action after observing that the Uttarakhand government remained a “mute spectator” while forest land was being illegally grabbed. The Court ordered a fact-finding inquiry, stopped all construction, and directed the Forest Department to take possession of vacant land.
The Supreme Court set aside High Court orders and upheld the dismissal of a CISF constable for contracting a second marriage, stressing that courts cannot act as appellate authorities in disciplinary matters. Invoking “dura lex sed lex”, the Court held that hardship cannot override clear statutory rules governing disciplined forces.