ASHOK vs STATE OF UTTAR PRADESH
Supreme Court(2024)
ACR Ref: 44580, Allowed
CRIMINAL APPEAL NO. 771 OF 2024
DD : 02-12-2024
ABHAY S. OKA, J., Ahsanuddin Amanullah J., Augustine George Masih J.,
Criminal Procedure Code, 1973 — Section 313 — Power to examine the accused — Requirement to Put All Material Circumstances —The Court emphasized that it is the duty of the trial court to put each material circumstance appearing in the evidence against the accused specifically, distinctly, and separately.
B. Criminal Procedure Code, 1973 — Section 313 — Irregularity and Cure —The Court held that failure to put material circumstances to the accused is a serious irregularity that can vitiate the trial if it prejudices the accused — However, if no prejudice is shown, it can be a curable defect.
C. Criminal Procedure Code, 1973 — Section 313 — Appellate Court’s Role — Even if an irregularity is curable, the appellate court can question the accused on material circumstances not put to him.
D. Constitution of India, 1950 — Article 21 and 39A — Right to Legal Aid —Constitutional Guarantee —The Court reaffirmed that the right to legal aid is a fundamental right under Article 21 and Article 39A of the Constitution of India.
E. Qualifications of Legal Aid Advocates — The Court directed that in cases involving life or death sentences, only advocates with a minimum of 10 years of criminal practice should be appointed as amicus curiae or legal aid advocates.
F. Training and Monitoring —The Court suggested that Legal Services Authorities should provide proper training to newly appointed legal aid advocates and monitor their work.
G. Role of Public Prosecutor — Duty to Ensure Fair Trial —The Public Prosecutor has a duty to ensure that the trial is conducted fairly and lawfully.
H. Assistance in Section 313 Examination — The Public Prosecutor must assist the court in recording the statement of the accused under Section 313 and bring to its notice any material circumstances not put to the accused.
I. Free Legal Aid —The Public Prosecutor must point out to the court the requirement of providing free legal aid to an accused when he is not represented by an advocate.
J. Acquittal Due to Legal Irregularities — The Court acquitted the appellant due to the trial court’s failure to put all incriminating evidence against him under Section 313, which prejudiced his right to defend himself.
K. General Principles of Criminal Trials —Fair Trial —The Court reiterated that the object of a criminal trial is to search for the truth and protect the innocent while punishing the guilty.
L. Effective Legal Aid — The Court emphasized that legal aid must be effective and that advocates appointed must have good knowledge of criminal laws, evidence, and procedural laws.