Section 311 CrPC Power Must Be Used Sparingly: Supreme Court

The Supreme Court reiterated that the discretionary power under Section 311 of the Code of Criminal Procedure to summon or recall witnesses must be exercised sparingly and only when such evidence is indispensable for discovering the truth. The Court cautioned against mechanical or routine invocation of this provision, emphasizing that it cannot be used to fill lacunae in the prosecution or defence case. Stressing the balance between fair trial rights and judicial discipline, the Court clarified that the provision is intended to advance justice and not to prolong proceedings or prejudice the accused. The judgment reinforces procedural safeguards in criminal trials while underscoring judicial responsibility in ensuring evidence-led truth discovery.