In Brief
The State challenged the High Court's dismissal of its application for leave to appeal against the accused's acquittal in a murder case. The High Court had rejected the application without providing any reasons. The Supreme Court held that such unreasoned orders are bad in law and constitute non-application of mind. The Court ruled that when deciding leave-to-appeal applications under Section 378(3) CPC, the High Court must apply its mind to the facts and submissions, and record reasons for either granting or refusing leave. If arguable points exist or deeper scrutiny of evidence is warranted, leave must be granted. The appeal was allowed and remanded to the High Court for a reasoned decision on the merits.
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