Take measures to prevent accused from vexatious litigations- SC

The Supreme Court took a dig on the vexatious litigations filed by parties merely for the purpose of harassing the accused for personal vendetta.

The bench expressed its concern on the issue of misuse of criminal procedure by the people and directed the trial courts to discharge the accused in such cases even before the trial commences.

The bench gave this direction while quashing criminal proceedings instituted against four individuals six years’ after the alleged assault.

The bench upheld the duty of trial court and stated that being the first in line of criminal justice system, the trial courts are duty-bound to protect such accused from losing their self-esteem and reputation.

While delivering the judgement, the bench opined that trial courts’ power extends beyond holding the guilt of an accused or acquitting the accused, as the case may be. The bench stated that trial courts should not let such frivolous filings reach the stage of trial and discharge the accused before the trial.

The bench clarified that this measure would not only save time of judicial system but would also protect the accused’s dignity and liberty under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution.

The bench delivered this ratio after witnessing the huge number of frivolous filings which have been instituted by the litigants in order to satisfy their selfish needs. The bench stated that lower judiciary’s active involvement would help in putting a break on such vexatious criminal litigations.

The apex court in the instant case held that trial court is duty-bound to protect the dignity of accused by identifying and disposing off such frivolous proceedings. This would in-turn prevent the accused facing dispute and stigma from society, and would also prevent him from facing monetary damages.