#De Novo Trial

The Punjab & Haryana High Court ruled that summoning an additional accused under Section 319 CrPC necessitates a de novo trial if a witness dies before cross-examination, rendering prior testimony inadmissible. The acquittal was upheld as the trial court’s evidence appreciation was not perverse, reinforcing procedural fairness in criminal trials.

Madhya Pradesh High Court clarifies that appellate courts must frame specific issues under Order 41 Rule 27 CPC instead of ordering wholesale remand for de novo trial.