VEER PAL SINGH Vs. TILKA DEVI

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The petitioner has invoked powers under S. 482, Cr. P.C. for expunction of certain remarks in the judgment of the trial Court in Case No. 756 of 1983 recorded by Sri D. D. Upadhya, the then J. M. Ist Class, Nagina, district Bijnor.

(2.) The case was instituted upon an FIR lodged by the present applicant for offences under Ss. 409, 468, 471, 420, 109 and 435, I.P.C. against several persons. The applicant had also deposed as a witness before the Court below. A reading of the judgment indicates (in paragraph 7) that the Court was of the view that there was no evidence against the accused persons about setting fire to the stock of wheat. In coming to this conclusion, rather at a subsequent paragraph of the judgment, the trial Court had recorded certain observations regarding the conduct of the witnesses including the present applicant. These remarks are to be found in paragraph 8 of the judgment. A perusal of the records indicate that while the Magistrate had every right to criticise the conduct of the witnesses, he had perhaps exceeded the freedom of judicial officers while making oblique comments against the witnesses. The comments may be quoted below :

(3.) The direction of the Supreme Court concerning expunction of unjustified remarks in judgment are relevant as was observed in AIR 1986 SC 819 : (1986 Cri LJ 9(1)). The Supreme Court was of the view in this case that,