In Brief
In 2001, the Shikhar Apartment in Ahmedabad collapsed during an earthquake, killing 98 people. Criminal proceedings were initiated against multiple accused, including the appellant. While some accused were charge-sheeted, others, including one Bhaumik, were not. The victim sought further investigation against Bhaumik under Section 173(8) CrPC, and the appellant (a charge-sheeted accused) sought to join as a party respondent in that petition. The High Court rejected the application. The Supreme Court upheld the rejection, holding that an accused against whom charge-sheet has been filed and trial is ongoing has no locus standi in proceedings for further investigation against another accused.
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