The Supreme Court has directed all trial courts to use structured charts for witnesses, documents and evidence in criminal judgments. The move aims to improve clarity, readability and faster review of cases by appellate courts.
The High Court mandated the adoption of biometric verification, utilizing Aadhaar card authentication, for witnesses across all courts within its jurisdiction, encompassing Haryana, Punjab, and Chandigarh. This directive seeks to curb the widespread misuse of bail procedures facilitated by counterfeit witnesses, an issue that has persisted in these regions.
Today (25th April): Chief Justice Chandrachud criticized certain High Courts for imposing restrictions on accessing video-conferencing links, calling it a hindrance to judicial accessibility. He emphasized the operational benefits of virtual hearings and the need to remove unnecessary barriers. The judiciary’s investment in digitization is crucial for equitable access to justice.
Supreme Court Affirms: Article 20(1) Doesn’t Restrict Retrospective Application of Procedural Changes in Criminal Trials In a pivotal judgment, the Supreme Court has clarified that procedural changes in criminal trials, introduced after an offence is committed, are not barred from retrospective application by Article 20(1) of the Constitution. This article prohibits the imposition of ex […]