Ms. Neha Agrawal Daughter Of Shri Gopal … vs State Of Rajasthan on 10 April, 2026

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    Rajasthan High Court – Jaipur

    Ms. Neha Agrawal Daughter Of Shri Gopal … vs State Of Rajasthan on 10 April, 2026

    [2026:RJ-JP:14234]
    
          HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE FOR RAJASTHAN
                      BENCH AT JAIPUR
    
          S.B. Criminal Miscellaneous (Petition) No. 7274/2024
    
    Ms. Neha Agrawal Daughter Of Shri Gopal Krishna Agrawal,
    Advocate, Wife Of Shri Sudhanshu Goyal, Resident Of Vaishali
    Nagar, Ajmer.
                                                                        ----Petitioner
                                           Versus
    1.       State Of Rajasthan, Through P.P.
    2.       Sudhanshu Goyal Son Of Vijay Goyal, Resident Of A-
             85, Chandrvardayi Ramganj Ajmer, Rajasthan.
    3.       Vijay Goyal Son Of Ved Prakash, Resident Of A-85,
             Chandrvardayi Ramganj Ajmer, Rajasthan.
    4.       Sudha Goyal Wife Of Vijay Goyal, Resident Of A-85,
             Chandrvardayi Ramganj Ajmer, Rajasthan.
    5.       Ankit Goyal Son Of Vijay Goyal, Resident Of A-85,
             Chandrvardayi Ramganj Ajmer, Rajasthan.
    6.       Alka Goyal Wife Of Ankit Goyal, Resident Of A-85,
             Chandrvardayi Ramganj Ajmer, Rajasthan.
                                                                     ----Respondents
    For Petitioner(s)            :    Mr. Pankaj Gupta
                                      Mr. Peush Nag
    For Respondent(s)            :    Mr. Onkar Singh Rajpurohit, PP
                                      Mr. Suresh Kumar Sahni
                                      Mr. Ram Mohan Sharma
                                      Mr. Ankit Agrawal
    
    
      HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE CHANDRA PRAKASH SHRIMALI
                                           Order
    
    
    
     1.   Arguments Concluded On:                                      01/04/2026
    
     2.   Judgment Reserved On:                                        01/04/2026
    
          Full Judgment/Operative Part                                    Full
     3.
          Pronounced:                                                  Judgment
    
     4.   Pronounced On:                                               10.04.2026
    
    
    
    

    ;kph@ifjokfn;k dh vksj ls ;g ;kfpdk varxZr /kkjk 528
    Hkkjrh; ukxfjd lqj{kk lafgrk fof’k”B vij eq[; U;kf;d eftLVªsV

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    SPONSORED

    ¼ih-lh-ih-,u-Mh-Vh-½ vtesj }kjk izdj.k la[;k 749@2020 jkT; cuke
    lq/kka’kq o vU; esa ikfjr vkns’k fnukad 19-10-2024 ls O;fFkr gksdj
    izLrqr dh gSA ftlds }kjk fo}ku fopkj.k U;k;ky; us lk{kh ihMCY;w 1
    xksiky d`”.k vxzoky] ,MoksdsV ds okW;l lSaiy vkSj ,Q-,l-,y-
    ¼fo’ks”kK tkap½ gsrq izR;FkhZ la[;k 2 ls 6@vfHk;qDrx.k dh vksj ls
    izLrqr izkFkZuk i= fnukad 26-09-2024 Lohdkj fd;k gSA
    ;kph@ifjokfn;k ds fo}ku vfHkHkk”kd dk cgl ds nkSjku ;g rdZ
    jgk gS fd ;kph@ifjokfn;k us izR;FkhZ la[;k 2 laq/kka’kq xks;y ds lkFk
    fnukad 19-02-2019 dks vtesj esa fganq jhfr&fjokt ds lkFk fookg fd;k
    Fkk vkSj fookg ls iwoZ fnukad 12-09-2018 dks ^^jksdk** dk dk;Zdze gqvk
    FkkA fookg ds le; vkSj mlds i’pkr izR;FkhZx.k@vfHk;qDrx.k }kjk
    ngst dh voS/k ekax dh xbZ] ftudh iwfrZ ugha gksus ij
    izR;FkhZx.k@vfHk;qDrx.k us fnukad 07-09-2019 dks vtesj esa jksM ij
    ;kph@ifjokfn;k dks NksM+ fn;k vkSj ngst dh ekax ds fy, izrkfM+r
    fd;k] ftl ij ;kph@ifjokfn;k us iqfyl v/kh{kd vtesj ds le{k
    fnukad 06-03-2020 dks ?kVuk dh fjiksVZ izLrqr dhA ftl ij iqfyl
    v/kh{kd vtesj us iqfyl Fkkuk efgyk vtesj dks mDr fjiksVZ izsf”kr dh]
    ftl ij izFke lwpuk fjiksVZ la[;k 40@2020 varxZr /kkjk 498,] 406
    Hkkjrh; naM lafgrk vkSj /kkjk 3 ngst fu”ks/k vf/kfu;e] 1961 ds varxZr
    izR;FkhZx.k@vfHk;qDrx.k ds fo#) ntZ gqbZA iqfyl us vuqla/kku ds
    i’pkr izR;FkhZx.k@vfHk;qDrx.k ds fo#) vkjksi i= izLrqr dj
    fn;kA ;kph@ifjokfn;k ds firk ihMCY;w 1 Jh xksiky d`”.k vxzoky ds
    izfrijh{kk ds Lrj ij izdj.k yafcr gSA izR;FkhZx.k@vfHk;qDrx.k ds
    }kjk vuko’;d :i ls izdj.k dks foyafcr fd;k tk jgk Fkk] ftlds
    lanHkZ esa bl U;k;ky; dh led{k ihB }kjk ;kfpdk la[;k 582@2022
    vkns’k fnukad 31-01-2022 ds ek/;e ls izdj.k dks fuf’pr le; esa
    fuLrkfjr fd, tkus dk vkns’k fn;k x;k ijarq mlds i’pkr Hkh
    izR;FkhZx.k@vfHk;qDrx.k us 34 volj rd lk{kh ihMCY;w 1 Jh xksiky

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    d`”.k vxzoky dh izfrijh{kk yafcr j[khA mDr lk{kh dh izfrijh{kk ds
    nkSjku izR;FkhZx.k@vfHk;qDrx.k us lk{kh ihMCY;w 1 Jh xksiky d`”.k
    vxzoky ls mudh vkokt dk uewuk ysus o mDr uewus dk ,Q-,l-,y-
    tkap gsrq Hkstus rFkk dfFkr eksckby fjdkWfMZax dks fo}ku fopkj.k
    U;k;ky; dks lqukus ds fy, ,d izkFkZuk i= izLrqr fd;k x;kA mDr
    eksckby fjdkWfMZax fnukad 09-09-2019 rFkk fnukad 22-09-2019 dh gS]
    ftldks izR;FkhZx.k@vfHk;qDrx.k us u rks vUos”k.k vf/kdkjh ds le{k
    izLrqr fd;k u gh o”kZ 2022 esa vkjksi fojpuk ds le; fopkj.k
    U;k;ky; ds le{k izLrqr fd;k FkkA mDr fjdkWfMZax dh dksbZ izfr vkSj u
    gh mldh VªkalfdzIV fopkj.k U;k;ky; ds }kjk ihMCY;w 1 xksiky d`”.k
    vxzoky rFkk ;kph@ifjokfn;k dks miyC/k djokbZ xbZA mDr fjdkWfMZax
    dh VªkalfLdzIV o isuMªkbo Hkh dksbZ lhy iSdsV esa ;k lhy voLFkk esa
    fopkj.k U;k;ky; ds le{k izLrqr ugha dh xbZA mDr fjdkWfMZax esa
    ;kph@ifjokfn;k ds firk ihMCY;w 1 Jh xksiky d`”.k vxzoky us viuh
    vkokt gksuk ugha crk;k gSA fQj Hkh fo}ku fopkj.k U;k;ky; us lk{kh
    ihMCY;w 1 xksiky d`”.k vxzoky ds okW;l lSaiy fy, tkus o mldks
    ,Q,l,y esa Hksts tkus ds vkns’k nsdj fof/kd Hkwy o =qfV dh gSA
    fnukad 05-11-2019 dks izR;FkhZx.k@vfHk;qDrx.k us viuk tokc izLrqr
    fd;k Fkk rFkk tokc esa Hkh bl izdkj dh dksbZ fjdkWfMZax gksuk mUgksaus
    ugha crk;k gSA ;fn mDr vkokt ihMCY;w 1 Jh xksiky d`”.k vxzoky
    dh vkokt gksrh rks vUos”k.k ds nkSjku ;k vkjksi i= ds le;
    izR;FkhZx.k@vfHk;qDrx.k mDr okW;l fjdkWfMZax o VªkalfLdzIV dks izLrqr
    djrs] tks muds }kjk izLrqr ugha dh xbZ gSA izR;FkhZx.k@vfHk;qDrx.k us
    nksuksa i{kksa ds e/; okrkZ 11%00 ,-,e- ls 4%00 ih-,e- ds chp gksuk crkbZ
    gSA tcfd dksVZ esa mDr fjdkWfMZax 1 ?kaVk 11 feuV vkSj 21 lsdsaM dh
    crkbZ gSA ftlls ;g Li”V gksrk gS fd mDr fjdkWfMZax esa dkaV&NkaV dh
    xbZ gS rFkk dwV jfpr o QthZ gSA fo}ku fopkj.k U;k;ky; us vkyksP;
    vkns’k fnukad 19-10-2024 ikfjr djrs le; fof/kd fl)karksa dk /;ku

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    j[ks fcuk lk{kh ihMCY;w 1 xksiky d`”.k vxzoky ds c;ku dh izfrijh{kk
    esa mlds okW;l lSaiy ysus o fof/k foKku iz;ksx’kyk esa Hkstus ds laca/k esa
    fcuk fdlh fof/kd vk/kkj ds vkns’k tkjh dj fn;kA mDr vkns’k tkjh
    fd, tkus ls iwoZ ;kph@ifjokfn;k ;k lk{kh dh lgefr Hkh ugha yh
    xbZA mDr fjdkWfMZax ls lacaf/kr isuMªkbo o VªkalfLdzIV dks Hkh
    ifjoknh@;kph ;k lk{kh dks ugha fn;k x;kA ;fn lk{kh dh ,slh okW;l
    fjdkWfMZax gS Hkh rks mDr okW;l fjdkWfMZax dks izR;FkhZx.k@vfHk;qDrx.k
    /kkjk 313 naM izfdz;k lafgrk ds dFku ds i’pkr lk{; esa izLrqr dj
    ldrs Fks ysfdu lk{kh ls izfrijh{kk ds nkSjku gqbZ okrkZ ds laca/k esa
    eksckby ij fjdkWMZ okrkZ dks lk{kh ls izfrijh{kk ds nkSjku bl laca/k esa
    dksbZ iz’u ugha iwNs tk ldrs gSaA lk{kh dks vius okW;l lSaiy nsus ds
    fy, vknsf’kr djus ij Hkkjrh; lafo/kku ds vuqPNsn 20¼3½ esa of.kZr
    izko/kkuksa dk mYya?ku gksxk rFkk lk{kh dks okW;l lSaiy nsus ds fy, ck/;
    ugha fd;k tk ldrk gS vkSj mldks Lo;a ds okW;l lSaiy ds vk/kkj ij
    xokgh nsus ls ck/; fd;k tkuk Hkkjrh; lafo/kku ds vuqPNsn 20¼3½ dk
    mYya?ku gksxkA fo}ku fopkj.k U;k;ky; us lk{kh ihMCY;w 1 xksiky
    d`”.k vxzoky ds okW;l lSaiy ysdj ,Q,l,y ijh{k.k gsrq Hksts tkus ds
    laca/k esa fnukad 19-10-2024 esa tks vkns’k ikfjr fd;k gS og fof/k fo#)
    gksus ds dkj.k ls vikLr fd, tkus ;ksX; gSA vr% ;kph@ifjokfn;k
    dh ;kfpdk varxZr /kkjk 528 Hkkjrh; ukxfjd lqj{kk lafgrk Lohdkj dh
    tkos rFkk fof’k”B vij eq[; U;kf;d eftLVªsV ¼ih-lh-ih-,u-Mh-Vh-½
    vtesj }kjk izdj.k la[;k 749@2020 jkT; cuke lq/kka’kq o vU; esa
    ikfjr vkns’k fnukad 19-10-2024 dks vikLr fd;k tkosA
    ;kph@ifjokfn;k ds fo}ku vfHkHkk”kd us vius rdksZa ds leFkZu esa
    fuEu fofu’p; izLrqr fd, gSa%&

    1. Shamsher Singh Verma Versus Satate of Haryana; 2015 4

    Crimes(SC) 353; order dated 24.11.2015.

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    2. Ram Singh and Ors. Vs. Ram Singh; MANU/AC/0176/1985;

    order dated 07.08.1985.

    izR;FkhZx.k@vfHk;qDrx.k ds fo}ku vfHkHkk”kd rFkk fo}ku yksd
    vfHk;kstu dk cgl ds nkSjku ;g rdZ jgk gS fd fnukad 05-09-2024 dks
    fo}ku fopkj.k U;k;ky; us izR;FkhZx.k@vfHk;qDrx.k dk izkFkZuk i=
    varxZr /kkjk 294 naM izfdz;k lafgrk lifBr /kkjk 145] 146] 155 lk{;

    vf/kfu;e         fnukafdr          14-08-2024            dks      fuLrkfjr       dj
    izR;FkhZx.k@vfHk;qDrx.k        dk       izkFkZuk    i=     Lohdkj      fd;k     tkdj
    

    izR;FkhZx.k@vfHk;qDrx.k ds nksuksa eksckby dks U;k;ky; esa pykus dh
    vuqefr nh FkhA lk{kh ihMCY;w 1 Jh xksiky d`”.k vxzoky o
    izR;FkhZ@vfHk;qDr&2 lq/kka’kq xks;y o vU; izR;FkhZx.k@vfHk;qDrx.k ds
    e/; fnukad 09-09-2019 dks rFkk fnukad 22-09-2019 dks vtesj esa tks
    okrkZ gqbZ vkSj tks vkokt fjdkWMZ dh xbZ mDr okrkZvksa esa vkokt ihMCY;w
    1 xksiky d`”.k vxzoky dh gS tks ;kph@ifjokfn;k dk firk gSA mDr
    okrkZ,a izdj.k ds U;k;iw.kZ fuLrkj.k ds fy, lqlaxr gSA
    ;kph@ifjokfn;k us izR;FkhZx.k@vfHk;qDrx.k ij ;g vkjksi yxk;k gS
    fd mUgksaus ifjokfn;k ls ngst dh ekax dh gSA tcfd mu okrkZyki esa
    dgha Hkh ;g rF; ugha vk;k gSA izR;FkhZx.k@vfHk;qDrx.k us
    ;kph@ifjokfn;k ;k mlds firk ihMCY;w 1 Jh xksiky d`”.k vxzoky ls
    dksbZ ngst dh ekax dh gks vkSj mldh iwfrZ ugha fd, tkus ij dksbZ
    vkijkf/kd d`R; fd;k gks ;g fl) ugha gksrk gSA lk{kh ihMCY;w 1 Jh
    xksiky d`”.k vxzoky us viuh okrkZyki esa ;g Lohdkj fd;k gS fd
    izR;FkhZx.k@vfHk;qDrx.k us dksbZ ngst dh ekax ugha dh gSA ,slh fLFkfr
    esa tks eksckby esa nksuksa i{kksa ds e/; okrkZyki gqbZ og okrkZyki Hkkjrh;
    lk{; vf/kfu;e dh /kkjk 2¼1½¼Mh½ ch,l, ds varxZr ^^nLrkost** ‘kCn esa
    vkus ds dkj.k o /kkjk 155¼3½ Hkkjrh; lk{; vf/kfu;e vkSj 294 naM
    izfdz;k lafgrk esa of.kZr izko/kkuksa vkSj fofHkUu fofu’p;ksa esa vfHkfu/kkZfjr
    fl)karksa ds vk/kkj ij VSi fjdkWMZj esa gqbZ lk{; lqlaxr gksus o eksckby

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    ij fd, x, fjdkWfMZax dh xbZ fjdkWfMZax o okrkZ /kkjk 8 Hkkjrh; lk{;
    vf/kfu;e ds varxZr lelkef;d okrkZ gksus vkSj lqlaxr gksus ds vk/kkj
    ij fo}ku fopkj.k U;k;ky; us fnukad 05-09-2024 dks vkns’k ikfjr dj
    izR;FkhZx.k@vfHk;qDrx.k ds nksuksa eksckby esa ls gqbZ okrkZyki dks
    U;k;ky; esa pyk, tkus gsrq eksckby is’k fd, tkus dk vkns’k fn;k
    x;k gSA mDr vkns’k fnukad 05-09-2024 ds fo#) dksbZ
    iqujh{k.k@vihy ;kfpdk ;kph@ifjokfn;k us izLrqr ugha dhA U;k;ky;
    izdj.k ds U;k;iw.kZ fofu’p; ds fy, vkSj lqlaxr nLrkostksa ds laca/k esa
    lk{; dh izfrijh{kk ds Lrj ij okW;l lSaiy fy, tkus vkSj fof/k foKku
    iz;ksx’kkyk esa fo’ks”kK lk{; ds fy, Hkst ldrh gSA fof/k esa of.kZr
    izko/kkuksa ds vuqlkj izR;FkhZx.k lk{kh ls mldh izfrijh{kk ds nkSjku lk{kh
    dh fo’oluh;rk dks ij[kus ds fy, ftlds eksckby ij fd, x,
    fjdkWfMZax ds dFkuksa esa dUQzUV(Confront) djk ldrh gSA
    izR;FkhZx.k@vfHk;qDrx.k ds eksckby esa ntZ fnukad 09-09-2019 vkSj
    fnukad 22-09-2019 vly okrkZ dh gqcgw VªkalfdzIV dh xbZ gS o mDr
    nksuksa vly okrkZvksa dks ewy ls isuMªkbo esa Hkh gwcgw MkmuyksM@fjdkWMZ
    fd;k x;k gSA lk{kh ihMCY;w 1 xksiky d`”.k vxzoky dh vkokt ds fy,
    x, uewuksa ds laca/k esa lk{kh o ifjokfn;k@;kph lk{kh ds c;ku ds
    ek/;e ls viuk rdZ j[k ldrs gSa rFkk izR;FkhZx.k@vfHk;qDrx.k }kjk
    ijhf{kr lk{khx.k ls dksbZ izfrijh{kk djk ldrs gSaA fo}ku fopkj.k
    U;k;ky; us vkyksP; vkns’k fnukad 19-10-2024 ikfjr dj lk{kh ihMCY;w
    1 xksikyd`”.k vxzoky ds okW;l lSaiy fy, tkus vkSj ,Q,l,y
    ¼fo’ks”kK tkap½ izR;FkhZx.k@vfHk;qDrx.k dk izkFkZuk i= Lohdkj fd,
    tkus dk dksbZ fof/kd Hkwy o =qfV ugha dh gSA vr% ;kph@ifjokfn;k dh
    vksj ls izLrqr ;kfpdk vLohdkj dj [kkfjt dh tkosA
    izR;FkhZx.k@vfHk;qDrx.k ds fo}ku vfHkHkk”kd us vius rdksaZ ds
    leFkZu esa fuEu fofu’p;ksa dh izfr izLrqr dh gS%&

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    1- Ritesh Sinha versus State of Uttar Pradesh and Another;

    (2019) 8 Supreme Court Cases 1; order dated 02.08.2019.

    2. Pravinsinh Nrupatsinh Chauhan Versus State of Gujarat; Slp

    (Crl.) No(s). 4693/2023; order dated 15.05.2023.

    3. Rahul Agarwal Versus The State of West Bengal & Anr.; Slp

    (Crl.) o. 5518/2025; order dated 13.10.2025.

    4. Manik Pandey Vs. State of U.P. And Another; Criminal Revision

    No. 3965/2023; order dated 05.10.2023.

    5. Badri Prasad Meena Versus Central Bureau of Investigation and

    other connected matter; S.B. Criminal Misc. (Petition) No.

    6518/2024; order dated 14.11.2024.

    6. Tarak Nath Gupta & anr Versus State of Delhi & Anr;

    CRL.REV.P. 472/2019 & CRL.M.A. 8424/2019; order dated

    13.10.2023.

    eSaus mHk;i{kksa ds rdksZa ij euu fd;k rFkk i=koyh dk voyksdu
    fd;kA
    bl izdj.k esa eq[; fopkj.kh; fcanq fuEu izdkj gSa%&
    1- D;k lk{kh dh izfrijh{kk ds nkSjku lk{kh ds okW;l lSaiy dks
    ysdj mls fo’ks”kK lk{; gsrq fof/k foKku iz;ksx’kkyk esa Hkstk tk ldrk
    gS\
    2- D;k lk{kh dks vius okW;l lSaiy nsus ds fy, vknsf’kr djus
    ij Hkkjrh; lafo/kku ds vuqPNsn 20¼3½ esa of.kZr izko/kkuksa dk mYya?ku
    gksxk\
    bl laca/k esa fuEu fof/kd izko/kkuksa dks ;gka mYysf[kr fd;k tkuk
    U;k;ksfpr gksxk%&
    Section 145 of Indian Evidence Act 1872 : –

    Cross examination as to previous statements in writing

    A witness may be cross-examined as to previous statements made

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    by him in writing or reduced into writing, and relevant to matters in

    question, without such writing being shown to him, or being

    proved; but, if it is intended to contradict him by the writing, his

    attention must, before the writing can be proved, be called to those

    parts of it which are to be used for the purpose of contradicting

    him.

    Section 349 of BNSS (Sec 311 A Cr.P.C.): –

    Power of magistrate to order person to give specimen signatures

    or handwriting etc

    If a Magistrate of the first class is satisfied that, for the purposes

    of any investigation or proceeding under this Sanhita, it is

    expedient to direct any person, including an accused person, to

    give specimen signatures or finger impressions or handwriting or

    voice sample, he may make an order to that effect and in that case

    the person to whom the order relates shall be produced or shall

    attend at the time and place specified in such order and shall give

    his specimen signatures or finger impressions or handwriting or

    voice sample:

    Provided that no order shall be made under this section unless the

    person has at some time been arrested in connection with such

    investigation or proceeding:

    Provided further that the Magistrate may, for the reasons to be

    recorded in writing, order any person to give such specimen or

    sample without him being arrested.

    Section 45 of Indian Evidence Act: –

    Opinion of experts When the Court has to form an opinion upon a

    point of foreign law or of science or art, or as identity of

    handwriting or finger impressions, the opinions upon that point of

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    persons specially skilled in such foreign law, science or art, or in

    questions as to identity of handwriting or finger impressions are

    relevant facts.

    Section 8 of Indian Evidence Act:-

    Motive, preparation, previous or subsequent conduct

    Any fact is relevant which shows or constitutes a motive or

    preparation for any fact in issue or relevant fact.

    The conduct of any party, or of any agent to any party, to any suit

    or proceeding, in reference to such suit or proceeding, or in

    reference to a fact in issue therein or relevant thereto, and the

    conduct of any person an offence against whom is the subject of

    any proceeding, is relevant, if such conduct influences or is

    influenced by any fact in issue or relevant fact, and whether it was

    previous or subsequent thereto.

    Ritesh Sinha Versus State of Uttar Pradesh and Another;

    (2019) 8 SCC 1 ds iSjk la[;k 27 dks ;gka mYysf[kr fd;k tkuk
    U;k;ksfpr gksxk%&

    27. In the light of the above discussions, we unhesitatingly take the

    view that until explicit provisions are engrafted in the Code of

    Criminal Procedure by Parliament, a Judicial Magistrate must be

    conceded the power to order a person to give a sample of his voice

    for the purpose of investigation of a crime. Such power has to be

    conferred on a Magistrate by a process of judicial interpretation

    and in exercise of jurisdiction vested in this Court under Article

    142 of the Constitution of India. We order accordingly and

    consequently dispose of the appeals in terms of the above.

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    Rahul Agarwal Versus The State of West Bengal & Anr;

    2025 INSC 1223 ds iSjk la[;k 8 o 9 dks ;gka mYysf[kr fd;k tkuk

    U;k;ksfpr gksxk%&

    8. Following the aforesaid precedent, it was held in Ritesh

    Sinha¹ that despite absence of explicit provisions in Cr.P.C., a

    Judicial Magistrate must be conceded the power to order a person,

    to give a sample of his voice for the purpose of investigation for a

    crime. We specifically note that this Court had not spoken only of

    the accused and specifically employed the words ‘a person’,

    consciously because the Rule against self-incrimination applies

    equally to any person whether he be an accused or a witness. It

    was also directed that till explicit provisions are incorporated in

    the Cr.P.C., the Judicial Magistrate will be so empowered by virtue

    of the said judgment. The issue was also pending with the

    Government and with the advent of the BNSS, it has been

    specifically incorporated under Section 349.

    9. We need not hence consider the question as to whether it

    is the Cr.P.C. or the BNSS which would be applicable to the present

    case. If it is the Cr.P.C., the three Judge Bench decision in Ritesh

    Sinha¹ permits the same on the identical principle adopted by this

    Court in Kathi Kalu Oghad to permit furnishing of handwriting,

    signature and finger impressions. The said sampling is similar to

    voice sampling, as now possible by reason of the advancing

    technology. If it is the BNSS that is applicable, then there is a

    specific provision enabling such sampling. The reasoning was also

    that mere furnishing of a sample of the fingerprint, signature or

    handwriting would not incriminate the person as such. It would

    have to be compared with the material discovered on investigation,

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    which alone could incriminate the person giving the sample, which

    would not fall under a testimonial compulsion, thus not falling foul

    of the rule against self-incrimination.

    Pravinsinh Nrupatsinh Chauhan Versus State of Gujarat;

    Slp (Crl.) No(s). 4693/2023; order dated 15.05.2023 esa ekuuh;

    mPpre U;k;ky; }kjk vfHkfu/kkZfjr fl)karksa dk iSjk la[;k 2 o 3
    dks ;gka mYysf[kr fd;k tkuk U;k;ksfpr gksxk%&

    2. In the above context, we have the benefit of reading the ratio in ‘Ritesh

    Sinha Vs. State of Uttar Pradesh‘ reported in (2019) 8 SCC 1 where in the

    context of voice sample collected for the purpose of investigation, the three

    Judges Bench of this Court had held:-

    “26. Would a judicial order compelling a person to give sample of

    his voice violate the fundamental right to privacy under Article

    20(3) of the Constitution, is the next question. The issue is

    interesting and debatable but not having been argued before us it

    will suffice to note that in in Modern Dental College and Research

    Centre v. State of M.P., Gobind v. State of M. P. and another and the

    nine Judge’s Bench of this Court in K.S. Puttaswamy (Privacy 9) v.

    Union of India the fundamental right to privacy cannot be

    construed as absolute and but must bow down to compelling public

    interest. We refrain from any further discussion and consider it

    appropriate not to record any further observation on an issue not

    specifically raised before us.

    27. In the light of the above discussions, we unhesitatingly

    take the view that until explicit provisions are engrafted in the Code

    of Criminal Procedure by Parliament, a Judicial Magistrate must

    be conceded the power to order a person to give a sample of his

    voice for the purpose of investigation of a crime. Such power has to

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    be conferred on a Magistrate by a process of judicial interpretation

    and in exercise of jurisdiction vested in this Court under Article 142

    of the Constitution of India. We order accordingly and consequently

    dispose the appeals in terms of the above.”

    3. The above would indicate that the Magistrate is given the power

    to order for collection of voice sample for the purpose of investigation of a

    crime until explicit provisions are engrafted in the CrPC by the

    Parliament. Such direction was issued by invoking powers under Article

    142 of the Constitution of India.

    Manik Pandey Vs. State of U.P. and Anr.; Criminal Revision

    No. 3965/2023, order dated 05.10.2023 dk iSjk la[;k 17 ls 23

    dks ;gka mYysf[kr fd;k tkuk U;k;ksfpr gksxk%&

    17. The defence of an accused is not limited to the stage of

    defence evidence. It begins the very moment the prosecution presents

    any evidence/argument/witness against the accused.

    18. It is a basic principle of the trial that accused has to establish

    his defence by cross examination of the prosecution witness and it

    cannot be termed that the accused defence shall start only at the stage of

    defence evidence. By confronting the prosecution witness with evidence

    and rebutting them by cross examination is the defence of the accused at

    the stage of prosecution evidence also. For free and fair trial, the trial

    court is bound to allow the accused to furnish all relevant documents for

    his defence at any stage.

    19. In any matter whether civil or criminal, the defendant/accused

    has a right to present his defence to counter the allegations imposed

    against him. The question which arises in a lot of matters is as to when

    does this stage of defence of an aceused/ defendant begins. Is it after the

    plaintiff/prosecution has presented their evidences and witnesses, or

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    does it begin the very moment the stage of evidence

    starts?

    20. The power must be exercised wherever the court finds that any

    evidence is essential for the just decision of the case. The statutory

    provision goes to emphasise that the court is not a hapless bystander in

    the derailment of justice. Quite to the contrary, the court has a vital role

    to discharge in ensuring that the cause of discovering truth as an aid in

    the realization of justice is manifest.

    21. Fair trial is the main object of criminal procedure and it is the

    duty of the court to ensure that such fairness is not hampered or

    threatened in any manner. Fair trial entails the interests of the accused,

    the victim and of the society, and therefore, fair trial includes the grant of

    fair and proper opportunities to the person concerned, and the same must

    be ensured as this is a constitutional, as well as a human right. Thus,

    under no circumstances can a person’s right to fair trial be jeopardized.

    Adducing evidence in support of the defence is a valuable right. Denial of

    such right would amount to the denial of a fair trial. Thus, it is essential

    that the rules of procedure that have been designed to ensure justice are

    scrupulously followed, and the court must be zealous in ensuring that

    there is no breach of the same. (Vide: Talab Haji Hussain v. Madhukar

    Purshottam Mondkar & Anr., AIR 1958 SC 376; Zahira Habibulla H.

    Sheikh & Anr. v. State of Gujarat & Ors., AIR 2004 SC 3114; Zahira

    Habibullah Sheikh & Anr. v. State of Gujarat & Ors., AIR 2006 SC 1367;

    Kalyani Baskar (Mrs.) v. M.S. Sampoornam (Mrs.), (2007) 2 SCC 258;

    Vijay Kumar v. State of U.P. & Anr., (2011) 8 SCC 136; and Sudevanand

    v. State through C.B.I., (2012) 3 SCC 387).

    22. Fair trial entails the interests of the accused, the victim and of

    society, and therefore, includes the grant of fair and proper opportunities

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    to the person concerned, and the same must be ensured as this is a

    constitutional as well as human right. The trial court cannot deny an

    accused the right to summon witnesses he/she has cited for examination

    at any stage of trial, the Supreme Court has held.

    23. In the case of Mohanlal Shamji Soni v. Union of India & Anr.,

    reported in AIR 1991 SC 1346, the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India held

    that it is a cardinal rule of the law of evidence, that the best available

    evidence must be brought before the court to prove a fact, or a point in

    issue. However, the court is under an obligation to discharge its statutory

    functions, whether discretionary or obligatory, according to law and

    hence ensure that justice is done. The court has a duty to determine the

    truth, and to render a just decision.

    Badri Prasad Meena Versus Central Bureau of

    Investigation and other connected matter; Criminal Misc.

    (Petition) No. 6518/2024, order dated 14.11.2024 dk iSjk la[;k

    14 o 18 dks ;gka mYysf[kr fd;k tkuk U;k;ksfpr gksxk%&

    14. In this background, the question of law which calls for

    Interference before this Court pertains to whether recording of voice

    sample violates the provisions of Article 20(3) of Constitution of

    India or any other rights of the accused-petitioners. Qua the same

    Hon’ble Apex Court in Pravinsinh (supra) has categorically held that

    collection of voice sample would not infringe upon the right to

    privacy, and the said inference was drawn upon while placing

    reliance upon in the Judgment cited in the said case titled as Ritesh

    (supra) wherein, it is held that the fundamental right to privacy

    cannot be construed as absolute and must bow down to compelling

    public interest.

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    18. This provision, as construed by this Court, carefully

    balances investigative needs with constitutional safeguards, ensuring

    that the requirement to provide a voice sample does not violate Article

    20(3) of the Constitution, which protects against self-incrimination.

    The legislative framework thus enables a lawful and structured

    approach for collecting voice samples, upholding the procedural and

    constitutional propriety of such investigative measures.

    Ram Singh and Ors. Vs. Ram Singh; 1985 SCC OnLine SC

    351 ds bl iSjk dks ;gka m)fjr fd;k tkuk U;k;ksfpr gksxk%&

    “32. Thus, so far as this Court is concerned the conditions for
    admissibility of a tape-recorded statement may be stated as follows:

    “(1) The voice of the speaker must be duly identified by the maker of the
    record or by others who recognise his voice. In other words, it
    manifestly follows as a logical corollary that the first condition for the
    admissibility of such a statement is to identify the voice of the speaker.

    Where the voice has been denied by the maker it will require very strict
    proof to determine whether or not it was really the voice of the speaker.
    (2) The accuracy of the tape-recorded statement has to be proved by the
    maker of the record by satisfactory evidence — direct or circumstantial.
    (3) Every possibility of tampering with or erasure of a part of a tape-
    recorded statement must be ruled out otherwise it may render the said
    statement out of context and, therefore, inadmissible.
    (4) The statement must be relevant according to the rules of Evidence
    Act
    .

    (5) The recorded cassette must be carefully sealed and kept in safe or
    official custody.

    (6) The voice of the speaker should be clearly audible and not lost or
    distorted by other sounds or disturbances.”

    ;g o‚bl fjd‚ÉMx lk{kh dh dfFkr okrkZyki ls lacafèkr gS]
    ftldk lk{kh }kjk Li”V :i ls [kaMu fd;k x;k gSA rFkkfi] vfHkys[k
    ls ;g ifjyf{kr gksrk gS fd mä okrkZyki vfHk;qäx.k ds }kjk izLrqr

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    dh xbZ gSA tgka rd bl vkifÙk dk lacaèk gS fd mä fjd‚ÉMx esa fdlh
    çdkj dh dkV&NkaV (tampering) dh xà gS vFkok og dwV] QtÊ
    gS] ;g fuÆookn :i ls fopkj.k ¼Vªk;y½ dk fo”k; gSA ,sls rF;kRed
    fooknksa dk vafre fuèkkZj.k lk{; ds leqfpr ijh{k.k] i{kdkjksa }kjk çLrqr
    lk{;ksa ds ewY;kadu rFkk vko’;drkuqlkj fof/k foKku ç;ksx’kkyk ¼ FSL½
    dh fjiksVZ ds vkèkkj ij gh fd;k tk ldrk gSA bl Lrj ij fookfnr
    rF;ksa ij dksà vafre fu”d”kZ nsuk U;k;ksfpr ugÈ gksxkA
    ;g Hkh mYys[kuh; gS fd ;fn bl Lrj ij mä o‚bl fjd‚ÉMx
    dks vfHkys[k ij Lohdkj fd;k tkrk gS] rks blls ifjoknh vFkok lkf{k;ksa
    ds vfèkdkjksa vFkok fgrksa ij dksà çfrdwy çHkko ugÈ iM+sxkA ifjoknh o
    vfHk;qä dks vius cpko dk iw.kZ volj fofèk }kjk çnÙk gS vkSj lk{khx.k
    ls ijh{k.k ds nkSjku og izfrijh{kk ¼cross-examination½ ds ekè;e ls
    mä fjd‚ÉMx dh fo’oluh;rk] çkekf.kdrk rFkk Lohdk;Zrk dks pqukSrh
    ns ldrk gSA blds vfrfjä ifjoknh@vfHk;qä vU; lkf{k;ksa dks çLrqr
    dj vFkok oSdfYid lk{; ds ekè;e ls Hkh mä lkexzh dk [kaMu djus
    ds fy, Lora= jgsxkA vr% bl Lrj ij fjd‚ÉMx dks vfHkys[k ij ysus
    ek= ls fdlh Hkh i{k dks viwj.kh; {kfr gksus dh laHkkouk çrhr ugÈ
    gksrhA
    tgka rd ;g vkifÙk dh xà gS fd mä o‚bl fjd‚ÉMx dks tkap
    ds nkSjku vFkok vkjksi fuèkkZj.k ¼charge½ ds le; çLrqr ugÈ fd;k
    x;k] ;g vkifÙk Hkh fofèk dh -f”V ls fo’ks”k egRo dh ugÈ gSA lk{;
    fofèk dk lkekU; fl)kar ;g gS fd çklafxd lk{; dks] ;fn og
    fofèklEer gks] rks mi;qä volj ij çLrqr fd;k tk ldrk gSA Hkkjrh;
    lk{; vfèkfu;e ds çkoèkkuksa ds varxZr ;g Li”V gS fd fdlh Hkh lk{kh
    dh izfrijh{kk esa mlds iwoZ dFkuksa ls mls dUQzUVs’ku ¼ confrontation½
    djkus gsrq fdlh Hkh nLrkost+ ;k lkexzh dk mi;ksx fd;k tk ldrk gS]
    vkSj blds fy, ;g vfuok;Z ugÈ gS fd mls iwoZ esa gh lk{; lwph esa
    lfEefyr fd;k x;k gksA izfrijh{k.k ds nkSjku ,sls nLrkost+ksa dk mi;ksx
    U;k;ksfpr çfØ;k dk vax gSA

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    o‚bl lSaiy nsus ds ç’u ds lanHkZ esa Hkh ;g LFkkfir fofèkd fLFkfr
    gS fd ;g vfHk;qä@ifjoknh@lk{kh ds ekSfyd vfèkdkjksa dk mYya?ku
    ugÈ ekuk tk ldrkA ;g ,d çfØ;kRed vko’;drk gS] ftldk mís’;
    lR; dk vUos”k.k djuk gSA tgka rd fjd‚ÉMx dh lR;rk] mlesa fufgr
    vkokt lk{kh dh gS ;k ugÈ] vFkok mlesa mfYyf[kr dFku tSls fd
    ngst dh ekax okLro esa dh xbZ Fkh ;k ugÈ] bu lHkh ç’uksa dk ijh{k.k
    lk{; ds vkèkkj ij fopkj.k ¼Vªk;y½ ds nkSjku gh fd;k tk,xkA
    vr% lexz ifjfLFkfr;ksa esa ;g Li”V gS fd bl çkjafHkd pj.k ij
    mä o‚bl fjd‚ÉMx dh çkekf.kdrk vFkok mldh fo”k;oLrq ds lacaèk esa
    dksà vafre jk; O;ä djuk mfpr ugÈ gSA bu lHkh fookfnr rF;ksa dk
    fu”i{k ,oa fofèklEer ijh{k.k dsoy fopkj.k U;k;ky; }kjk lk{;ksa ds
    lE;d~ ewY;kadu ds mijkar gh fd;k tk ldrk gSA
    vr% mijksDr of.kZr fof/kd izko/kkuksa o izLrqr fofu’p;ksa esa
    vfHkfu/kkZfjr fl)karksa ds vk/kkj ij lk{kh dh izfrijh{kk ds nkSjku lk{kh
    ds okW;l lSEiy dks ysdj mls fo’ks”kK lk{; gsrq fof/k foKku
    iz;ksx’kkyk esa Hkstk tk ldrk gS o lk{kh dks okW;l lSaiy nsus ds fy,
    vknsf’kr djus ij Hkkjrh; lafo/kku ds vuqPNsn 20¼3½ esa of.kZr izko/kkuksa
    dk mYya?ku ugha ekuk tk ldrk gSA
    vr% fo}ku fof’k”B vij eq[; U;kf;d eftLVªsV ¼ih-lh-ih-,u-Mh-
    Vh-½ vtesj }kjk izdj.k la[;k 749@2020 jkT; cuke lq/kka’kq o vU; esa
    ikfjr vkns’k fnukad 19-10-2024 dks fof/k&fo#) ugha ekuk tk ldrk
    gSA
    vr% ;kph@ifjokfn;k }kjk izLrqr ;kfpdk varxZr /kkjk 528
    Hkkjrh; ukxfjd lqj{kk lafgrk vLohdkj dj [kkfjt dh tkrh gSA
    ;fn dksbZ izkFkZuk i= yafcr gks rks os Hkh fuLrkfjr fd, tkrs gSaA

    (CHANDRA PRAKASH SHRIMALI),J

    KISHAN SONI /Res.

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