Analyzing the Scope and Limitations of Court Powers to Summon Witnesses in Indian Criminal Trials
This power of Indian courts to summon witnesses under Section 311 of the CrPC is pivotal to ensure justice in criminal trials. The article discusses the ambit of this authority exercised by Courts and also the fundamental limitations inherent in it. A discussion about judicial discretion, the balance required between justice and procedural efficiency, and the interaction with the mechanism for protecting witnesses is also present. Emphasis has also been laid that proper use is aptly made so as not to misuse and bring about delays or harass the party concerned. The analysis reflects the question of this power in achieving a fair trial while safeguarding rights to all parties concerned.