In Brief
This suo moto proceeding addressed widespread deficiencies in criminal trial practices across Indian courts. The Court found inconsistent handling of evidence documentation, witness examination, and record-keeping across High Courts. The Court modified the archaic practice established in Bipin Shantilal Panchal, requiring trial judges to decide objections to questions during proceedings rather than deferring all rulings to final judgment. It directed all High Courts to adopt the Draft Rules of Criminal Practice, 2021, which establish uniform standards for recording evidence, marking exhibits, preliminary case management hearings, and trial scheduling. The Court also mandated that prosecutors be separated from investigators and that accused be informed of all seized materials, not merely those prosecution relies upon. State governments were directed to amend police manuals within six months to comply with new rules regarding photographs, body sketches, and scene documentation.
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