HARSHAD GUPTA Vs. STATE OF CHHATTISGARH

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Leave granted.

(2.) The appellant's grievance is against the Judgment dtd. 13/5/2019 passed by the High Court of Chhattisgarh at Bilaspur, whereby his prayer to re-open the judgment of his conviction, hear the arguments afresh by the new Presiding Officer, and then deliver a judgment of conviction or acquittal, has been turned down. The facts may be noticed briefly:

(3.) FIR No. 03/13 was registered on 28/5/2013 at Police Station Jashpur under Ss. 376 and 506 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 (in short, the "IPC"). The appellant is the principal accused. His father was also named as accused of threatening the victim with dire consequences if she would not withdraw the complaint. The Trial Court framed charges under Ss. 376(1) and 506 of the IPC against the appellant, in 2013. The Sessions trial was conducted and the final hearing was also concluded. The learned Additional Session's Judge, vide order dtd. 28/4/2015, adjourned the case for 30/4/2015 for pronouncement of judgment. The appellant was held guilty and convicted vide judgment pronounced on 30/4/2015.