Karnataka High Court Stays Trial Against Minister Laxman Savadi Over Section 319 Procedure

The Karnataka High Court stayed proceedings against minister Laxman Savadi after a trial court added him as an accused in a 2018 assault case.

Background

Savadi had not been named in the original charge sheet. The trial court invoked Section 319 CrPC after the complainant, previously declared hostile, was subjected to a further examination.

Legal issue

The High Court considered whether the manner in which additional evidence was obtained could lawfully support summoning a new accused.

Court’s approach

Justice Anant Ramanath Hegde expressed prima facie concern about conducting a further examination-in-chief after a witness had turned hostile and been cross-examined.

What follows

The stay protects Savadi while his challenge is heard. Proceedings against the other accused were expressly allowed to continue.