Archive · 9 Dec 2025
Kerala High Court Orders Compliance for Witness Details
The Kerala High Court has ordered all criminal courts in the state to make sure that the accused person or their lawyer gets a list of witnesses and important documents before the trial starts.
This is to follow a rule called Rule 19(4) of the Criminal Rules of Practice, 1982.
The court said this will help stop trials from being delayed because someone says the rules weren't followed.
In one case, the trial was postponed because the special judge didn't follow these rules.
The court also said that all criminal courts should check that they are following this rule before they start a trial.
Kerala High Court orders criminal courts to comply with Rule 19(4) before trial.
Accused must receive witness details and documents before witness examination.
Order aims to prevent trials from being stalled due to non-compliance.
Special judge in Thiruvananthapuram found non-compliant with the rule.
Court directs criminal courts to ensure compliance before scheduling witness examination.
- Who
- Kerala High Court, Justice A Badharudeen, Accused in Thiruvananthapuram
- What
- Order for criminal courts to comply with Rule 19(4) before trial
- When
- Recent order, specific date not mentioned
- Where
- Kerala, India
- Why
- To prevent stalling of trials due to non-compliance with witness details
- Court
- Kerala High Court
- Rule
- Rule 19(4) of the Criminal Rules of Practice, 1982
- Mandate
- Supply witness details and documents to accused before trial
- Case Location
- Thiruvananthapuram
- Non-compliance Issue
- Special judge failed to comply with directions