CrPC Section 208: Supply of Copies to Accused in Court of Session Cases
This section deals with the provision of copies of relevant documents to the accused in cases before the Court of Session.
1. Code:
Section 208 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973
2. Explanation:
Section 208 mandates the Court of Session to provide the accused with copies of all documents, including:
- The charge-sheet
- The police report
- The statements of witnesses recorded by the police
- Any other documents that form part of the case record.
These copies must be supplied to the accused without any delay, enabling them to prepare their defense adequately.
3. Illustration:
Imagine a situation where a person is accused of murder and the case is transferred to the Court of Session. Under Section 208, the Court must provide the accused with copies of the charge-sheet, the police report, statements of witnesses, and any other relevant documents. This allows the accused to understand the allegations against them and prepare a strong defense.
4. Common Questions and Answers:
Q1. What is the purpose of providing copies to the accused?
To ensure a fair trial and guarantee the accused’s right to a proper defense.
Q2. Can the accused be denied copies under any circumstances?
No, the Court cannot refuse to provide copies to the accused unless there are specific reasons related to national security or public order.
Q3. What happens if the Court fails to provide copies within a reasonable time?
The accused can challenge the delay through legal means, as it can potentially impact their right to a fair trial.
