High Court of Punjab and HaryanaCRM-M/30517/2020disposed of

Resham Singh v. State Of Punjab

2020-10-29Mr. Justice Gurvinder Singh Gill2 pages

In The High Court for the States of Punjab and Haryana At Chandigarh CRM-M-30517-2020 (O&M) Date of Decision:-29.10.2020 Resham Singh ... Petitioner

Versus

State of Punjab ... Respondent

CORAM:

HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE GURVINDER SINGH GILL Present:- Mr. Surinder Garg, Advocate for the petitioner. Mr. Ajay Pal Singh Gill, DAG, Punjab.

(proceedings conducted through video conferencing) ***** GURVINDER SINGH GILL, J.(Oral) The learned State counsel has informed that a reply has been sent through whatsapp and that a hard copy of the same would also be filed. It has been submitted that upon verification it has been found that the petitioner's wife has indeed been diagnosed to be suffering from cancer. The learned State counsel has further informed that the trial, in any case, is at its fag end and only one PW remains to be examined, who has been summoned for 5.11.2020.

Having regard to the facts and circumstances of the case, this Court deems appropriate to dispose of the petition by issuing a direction to PANKAJ KAKKAR 2020.10.29 18:44 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document

( 2 ) CRM-M-30517-2020 (O&M) the Trial Court to take all such steps as may be conveniently possible in the present times of pandemic COVID-19 for expediting the conclusion of trial. The prosecution shall ensure that the statement of the remaining PW is duly recorded while adhering to all the safeguards as prescribed by the Health Authorities.

Since the learned counsel for the petitioner submits that he intends to examine some defence witnesses and that the defence counsel representing the petitioner before the Trial Court shall render utmost cooperation for conduct of proceeding of the trial, the trial Court is directed to take necessary steps for expediting the trial as may be possible during the present circumstances of spread of pandemic COVID-19 for recording defence evidence, if any. If it is possible to record the statements of DWs, if any, by physical process subject to adherence of all the safeguards as prescribed by Health Authorities, the same may be recorded through physical process. In case, it is not safe or convenient to do so, then possibility of recording of the statement of DWs by video conferencing be explored, so that efforts may be made thereafter for hearing final arguments at the earliest.

The accused is directed to ensure that his counsel is present on all the dates as may be fixed by the Trial Court and fully cooperate with the proceeding of trial, so that the trial may be concluded at the earliest. The present petition stands disposed of accordingly. 29.10.2020 ( Gurvinder Singh Gill ) pankaj Judge Whether speaking /reasoned Yes / No Whether Reportable Yes / No PANKAJ KAKKAR 2020.10.29 18:44 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document