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JUDGMENT
HARI SINGH AND ORS ..... Petitioners Represented by: Mr.Sanjeev Goyal and
Ms.Sangeeth Mohan, Advs.
Mr.Gagan Gupta, Adv for Respondent No.2.
SURESH KAIT, J. (Oral)
1. As per mediation report dated 11.09.2015 matter could not be settled.
2. With the consent of parties, instant matter is taken up for disposal today itself.
3. Vide the present petition, petitioners seek a direction thereby setting aside the orders dated 16.01.2013 and 11.04.2014 passed by learned Trial Court in pending trial of case FIR No.128/1997 registered at PS Pahar Ganj, Delhi whereby the applications of the petitioners for granting an opportunity to cross-examine PW[1], PW[3], PW[6] and PW[9] have been denied with a cost of Rs.3,000/-.
4. On perusal of the order sheet dated 08.02.2008, the chief 2015:DHC:7758 examination of PW[1] was completed and deferred for cross-examination. On 06.05.2008, learned counsel for petitioners sought time as main counsel was not available, however, the request was turned down and thus, the evidence of PW[1] was closed. As regards, PW[3], PW[6] and PW[9] are concerned, I have seen the orders and their testimony. There is no cross examination to these witnesses. PW[1] is the complainant, PW[3] is eye-witness, PW[6] Investigating Officer of the case and PW[9] is the person, who assisted the Investigating Officer in the investigation of this case throughout. Therefore, the cross examination of all these four witnesses is necessary to decide the case pending against the petitioners punishable for the offences punishable under Sections 380/448/341/427/ 506/34 of the IPC.
5. After going through the orders passed qua these witnesses and their testimonies, I am of the considered opinion that in the interest of justice, all four above noted witnesses required to be cross-examined by petitioners.
6. Accordingly, the orders dated 16.01.2013 and 11.04.2014 passed by learned Trial Court are hereby quashed.
7. Accordingly, learned Trial Court shall give the opportunity to the petitioners to cross-examine all the above four witnesses. Needless to state that cross-examination of these witnesses will be subject to their availability and petitioners shall not seek any adjournment for their crossexamination when the witnesses appeared in the witness box.
8. Parties are directed to appear before learned Trial Court for further direction on 05.10.2015.
9. In above terms, instant petition is allowed. Crl.MA. No.10576/2014(Stay) Dismissed as infructuous.
SURESH KAIT (JUDGE) SEPTEMBER 17, 2015 M