K Vadivel vs K Shanthi 2024 INSC 746 – CrPC – Further Investigation – Speedy Justice –

Code Of Criminal Procedure,1973; Section 173(8)- Where fresh materials come to light which would implicate persons not previously accused or absolve persons already accused or where it comes to the notice of the investigating agency that a person already accused of an offence has a good alibi, it may be the duty of the investigating agency to investigate the genuineness of the same and submit a report to the court-However, the further investigation cannot be permitted to do a fishing and roving enquiry when the police had already filed a charge-sheet. (Para 32-33)

Criminal Trial -Speedy Justice – The victims of crime, the accused, and the society at large have a legitimate expectation that justice will be available to the parties within a reasonable time. It is beyond cavil that speedy and timely justice is an important facet of rule of law. Denial of speedy and timely justice can be disastrous to rule of law in the long term. Even if the 31 parties involved in a case themselves, with no valid justification attempt to delay the proceedings, the courts need to be vigilant and nip any such attempt in the bud instantly. The administration of justice feeds on the faith of the citizenry and nothing should be done to even remotely shake that faith and confidence. (Para 45)- The legal profession has an important role to play in the process. Any proceeding or application which prima facie lacks merit should not be instituted in a court. (Para 46)