In Brief
A Sessions Court directed the prosecution of a witness (respondent) who allegedly gave false evidence under oath, by filing a complaint under Section 193 IPC before a Magistrate. The Trial Magistrate examined some witnesses and framed a charge. The High Court quashed the charge, ruling that because this was a complaint case—not one on police report—the Magistrate should have heard all prosecution evidence before framing any charge, per Section 244 of the Cr.P.C. The Supreme Court held that Section 343(1) mandates treating Section 340 complaints as if instituted on police report. The phrase 'as far as may be' permits limited summary inquiry if materials are insufficient, but does not require the elaborate non-police-report procedure. The High Court's approach violated Section 343(1). The charge framing was sustainable, and the appeal was allowed, directing the Trial Magistrate to proceed from the charge stage."
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