Punjab High Court summons police chief over missing witnesses in Naseeb Singh case

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has issued a summons to the state’s senior police officer after the prosecution failed to examine any of the witnesses listed in the case concerning Naseeb Singh, who has been in judicial custody for more than a year. The petitioner, identified as Naseeb Singh, has remained under detention since his arrest, with the court noting that none of the prosecution witnesses have been examined to date.

The criminal procedure code obliges the prosecution to examine witnesses as part of the evidentiary process, and the absence of such examination can undermine the fairness of the trial and the defence’s ability to contest the case.

The High Court’s directive compels the police chief to appear before the bench, explain the steps taken to secure the missing witnesses and indicate whether any obstacles have prevented their examination.

The development underscores broader concerns about investigative delays in Punjab’s criminal justice system, where cases can linger for years and timely production of witnesses is seen as crucial for upholding the rule of law.

While the court has not set a date for the next hearing, the summons signals a willingness to enforce compliance and may accelerate the examination of the witnesses. The outcome could influence procedural practices within the police force and the broader functioning of the High Court in ensuring that accused persons receive a fair trial.

Source: Hindustan Times