In Brief
An accused facing trial under IPC Section 308 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) was granted the right to cross-examine prosecution witnesses by the High Court, subject to depositing ₹5,000 within 15 days. He deposited the amount 9 days late but moved for extension, which the High Court refused on technical grounds. The Supreme Court held that refusing such a short extension when a plausible explanation existed would cause miscarriage of justice. The right to cross-examine is fundamental and should not be forfeited on mere technicalities. The appeal was allowed and the High Court's order was set aside.
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