Chandigarh: CBI court allows Kalyani Singh certified copy of electronic evidence in Sippy Sidhu murder trial

The special judge Bhawna Jain, who presides over the CBI court in Chandigarh, issued an order on Friday granting Kalyani Singh’s petition for a certified copy of the electronic data held on a pen drive connected to the Sippy Sidhu murder case. The directive specifies that Singh must remit the applicable court fee and satisfy the prescribed procedural requirements before the copy is released.

Singh had sought the copy to aid her preparation, arguing that full access to the digital material is essential for a thorough defence. The court’s order makes clear that the fee, which varies with the volume of data, must be deposited and that the copy will be issued only after the prescribed procedural steps are correctly completed.

The pen drive seized during the investigation contains the complete digital record that forms a core component of the case. This data includes all electronic files and communications captured by law enforcement, which investigators have examined as part of their inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Sidhu’s death. The material is considered pivotal by the prosecution and defence alike, as it may reveal patterns, timelines and relationships relevant to the murder charge.

The court’s decision underscores the procedural safeguards embedded in the criminal justice system, ensuring that the accused can access relevant material while adhering to established legal steps. Such safeguards are intended to balance the rights of the defendant with the need to preserve the integrity of the evidentiary record.

The Sippy Sidhu murder case, which has attracted considerable public and media attention since its inception, continues to progress through the judicial process. The next hearing is scheduled for later this month, during which the prosecution is expected to present further arguments. Legal analysts note that the outcome of this phase could influence subsequent procedural motions and may affect the timeline for final judgment.

The court’s decision underscores the procedural safeguards embedded in the criminal justice system, ensuring that the accused can access relevant material while adhering to established legal steps. Such safeguards are intended to balance the rights of the defendant with the need to preserve the integrity of the evidentiary record.

As the trial proceeds, Singh’s legal representatives may use the certified copy to review the material in preparation for upcoming arguments, while the CBI continues to build its case based on the original digital evidence.

Source: Hindustan Times