In Brief
In this criminal appeal, the Supreme Court upheld a trial spanning over 17 years involving serious charges of violence and murder. Though a technical defect existed in the signing and framing of charges in 2009, the Court held that the accused had full knowledge of accusations, actively participated in trial, and extensively cross-examined witnesses. Applying principles of substantial compliance and fairness, the Court ruled that minor procedural irregularities without demonstrable prejudice do not vitiate proceedings. The High Court's direction for a fresh trial was quashed as unjustified, particularly given two key eyewitnesses had died. The trial was restored to continue from its existing advanced stage.
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