In Brief
A man was charge-sheeted for forgery and fraud (Sections 417, 465, 468, 471 IPC) in connection with his concealment of another man's wife, who was subsequently found dead. The victim's family member sought further investigation into charges of seduction, cruelty and abetment to suicide. The Trial Court, having taken cognizance and framed charges on comprehensive investigation of 76 witness statements, rejected the request for further investigation. The High Court reversed this, relying on liberty previously granted. The Supreme Court held that once cognizance is taken and charges framed, only the investigating agency can request further investigation on discovery of material evidence—not private parties or the Magistrate. The Court restored the Trial Court's order and directed expeditious conclusion of the trial.
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