Supreme Court Issues Guidelines to Simplify Trial Records and Boost Justice
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In a move to enhance the efficiency of criminal trials, the Supreme Court has directed all trial courts across India to implement a standardized format for cataloguing witnesses, evidence, and material objects. This initiative aims to streamline the presentation of evidence and facilitate better comprehension of case records for all stakeholders, including appellate courts. The court's decision was announced while acquitting a man accused of a brutal sexual assault on a four-year-old girl, citing grave negligence and pedantic behavior by the investigating police officers. The bench highlighted the importance of institutionalizing a standardized format to prevent miscarriages of justice and uphold public faith in the system. In complex cases, such as conspiracies or trials involving voluminous evidence, the trial court may prepare charts only for relevant witnesses and documents, avoiding unwieldy compilations. The court's guidelines will help ensure that investigations and trials focus on the pursuit of truth, rather than becoming mechanical exercises. The case, which involved a 12-year prison sentence, has raised concerns about the reliability of witnesses and the need for procedural reforms in the criminal justice system. The Supreme Court's directions aim to address these issues and promote a more efficient and effective administration of justice.
