Case Note & Summary
The case involved an appeal against a judgment from the High Court of Delhi concerning the examination of a suicide note. The appellant, Saroj Pandey, sought clarity on the handwriting in the note, which was partially in Hindi and partially in English. The High Court had previously ordered the Investigating Officer to obtain the deceased's Hindi handwriting from the C.B.S.E. Board for comparison with the suicide note. However, the Additional Solicitor General, Ms. Indira Jaisingh, indicated that Hindi records were unavailable, complicating the comparison. The Supreme Court recognized the necessity of examining the English portion of the note and determined that a handwriting expert should analyze the note to confirm its authorship. The court ordered that the handwriting expert be selected by the trial court and mandated that a complete report be submitted within four weeks. The Supreme Court modified the High Court's order accordingly and disposed of the appeal.
Headnote
A) Criminal Procedure - Handwriting Examination - Necessity for Expert Analysis - Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, Section Not mentioned - The court directed that the suicide note be sent to a handwriting expert for examination to determine if it was written by the deceased, emphasizing the need for a complete report on both Hindi and English writings. Held that the trial court must select the expert and ensure a timely report (Paras 1-2).
Issue of Consideration
Whether the handwriting in the suicide note can be examined and compared to ascertain its authenticity.
Final Decision
The Supreme Court modified the High Court's order, directing that the suicide note be sent to a handwriting expert for examination, with a report to be submitted within four weeks.
Law Points
- Examination of handwriting
- Suicide note analysis
- Role of handwriting expert
- Modification of High Court order
