#trial evidence

The Punjab & Haryana High Court ruled that trial courts retain discretion under Section 319 CrPC to summon additional accused based on evidence adduced during trial, even if the police had earlier exonerated them in the closure report. This holding reinforces the primacy of judicial assessment over investigative conclusions, impacting prosecutorial strategy and accused rights in criminal trials.

The Punjab & Haryana High Court ruled that courts can summon an additional accused under Section 319 CrPC based on trial testimony, even if the investigation had previously cleared them. This underscores judicial discretion to prioritize in-court evidence over investigative conclusions, impacting criminal trial strategy and procedural fairness.