Trial Court Judges Often Convict Accused Despite Clear Grounds For Acquittal To Avoid Action By HC: Allahabad High Court

The Allahabad High Court observed that trial court judges often convict accused individuals despite clear grounds for acquittal to avoid action by the High Court. This observation was made while dealing with criminal appeals against a 2010 judgment in a dowry death case. The Division Bench criticized the issuance of a show cause notice by a Single Judge to the presiding officer of the trial court, which led to a conviction despite the presumption of innocence. The court highlighted that such actions create fear among judicial officers, leading to unjust convictions. The Division Bench ultimately acquitted the accused of criminal intimidation and directed that the retired District and Sessions Judge be informed of the judgment to acknowledge his correct decision, except for a minor error.