AJIT PASWAN Vs. STATE OF JHARKHAND

JUDGEMENT

(1.) HEARD Mrs. Tripathy, learned counsel appearing for the petitioners and the learned APP.

(2.) IN this application the petitioners have challenged the order dated 09.03.2005 whereby the learned Additional Sessions Judge -cum -FTC No. 1. Dhanbad rejected the prayer of the petitioners to recall the prosecution witnesses namely, Rakhi Kumari PW 3 and her father Suresh Paswan PW 2 for re -cross -examination/further cross -examination because, the prosecution and the accused compromised the case and they settled their dispute.

(3.) ADMITTEDLY , the victim as well as her father were examined by the prosecution and cross -examined by the defence at length and they supported the case of the prosecution regarding commission of rape. The offence under Section 376 IPC is not compoundable. At this stage making such a prayer for recall of the material witnesses for further cross -examination on the ground of compromise between the parties would certainly mean that the intention of the defence is to undermine the prosecution case. The provisions of Section 311 Cr PC cannot be allowed to be used lay the defence as a tool to undermine and demolish the ease of the prosecution, which is not permissible under the law. Allowing such a prayer would certainly defeat the ends of justice and, therefore, in my view, the learned Court below has rightly rejected the prayer of the petitioners.