CrPC Section 208
🔹 Section 208 CrPC: Committing Magistrate to Supply Copies of Documents to the Accused
🧾 Text (Paraphrased):
When a Magistrate commits a case for trial to a higher court (usually the Sessions Court), the Magistrate must supply to the accused, free of cost, copies of all relevant documents used in the case.
These documents include the complaint, police report, the first information report (FIR), statements of witnesses, and any other documents on which the prosecution intends to rely during the trial.
📝 What does Section 208 CrPC mean?
This section ensures the right of the accused to have access to the prosecution’s case before the trial begins.
It is meant to ensure fairness and transparency in the criminal trial process.
The accused gets the chance to prepare a proper defense by knowing the evidence and materials against them.
⚖️ Key Points:
Who must comply?
The Magistrate who is committing the case for trial (sending the case to a higher court) must supply these copies.
What must be supplied?
Copies of all relevant documents on which the prosecution relies — e.g., the complaint, police report, statements of witnesses, documents, or other materials.
Free of cost:
The accused is entitled to receive these copies without paying any fee.
Timing:
These documents must be supplied at the time of committal or as soon as possible after so the accused can be properly prepared.
🔍 Why is Section 208 important?
It upholds the principle of natural justice.
Helps in ensuring that the accused is not taken by surprise during the trial.
Enables the accused to engage counsel, cross-examine witnesses, and plan the defense strategy.
Prevents trial by ambush.
🔚 Summary:
Section 208 CrPC protects the right of the accused to receive copies of the prosecution’s evidence/documents when the case is committed to a higher court for trial.
This provision promotes fair trial standards and helps in effective defense preparation.
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