Court Directs Formation of Medical Board to Ensure Impartial Evaluation and Preserve Justice
In a significant judgment delivered by the Rajasthan High Court, Justice Farjand Ali has ordered the constitution of a medical board to re-evaluate the injuries of victims involved in a criminal case against petitioner Ajeet Singh. Singh, implicated in a criminal proceeding under FIR No. 14/2026 at Police Station Sangariya, Hanumangarh, claims the case against him is the result of a fabricated narrative influenced by political motives.
The petitioner argued that the initial medico-legal report exaggerating the severity of the victims' injuries was doctored under undue influence from the complainant, necessitating an impartial re-examination. Initially, Singh's plea for the formation of a medical board was rejected by the Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) on grounds of procedural incompetence, and subsequently declined by the learned Magistrate. This led Singh to seek intervention from the High Court.
Justice Ali, upon reviewing the facts, acknowledged the seriousness of the petitioner's assertions, highlighting the necessity for an unbiased investigation into the alleged falsification of medical reports. The Court underscored the importance of validating existing reports to address any discrepancies, thereby ensuring justice.
In his ruling, Justice Ali directed the District Magistrate/Collector, in collaboration with the CMHO and Principal Medical Officer of the concerned Government Hospital, to immediately form a medical board comprising a surgeon and two experienced medical officers. This board is tasked with conducting a thorough re-examination of the victims, Jagvinder Singh and Kulvinder Singh, within seven days to prevent any loss of critical evidence.
The Superintendent of Police, Hanumangarh, is instructed to facilitate the victims' safe transport and security during the medical evaluation. The board is expected to prepare a comprehensive report, noting any inconsistencies with the initial medico-legal reports, which will be included in the case diary for further investigation.
Justice Ali emphasized the overarching pursuit of truth in the justice system, stating that the petitioner's rights must be safeguarded against prosecution based on misleading evidence. The judgment serves as a reminder of the Court's commitment to preserving fairness and justice in criminal proceedings.
The decision marks a pivotal step in ensuring that the investigation proceeds on a foundation of factual accuracy, with the Court mandating urgency in the re-examination process to uphold the integrity of medical evidence.
Bottom Line:
The Court directed the constitution of a medical board to re-examine the injuries of victims in a criminal case, emphasizing the importance of an impartial evaluation to ensure justice.
Statutory provision(s): Criminal Proceedings.
Ajeet Singh v. State of Rajasthan, (Rajasthan) : Law Finder Doc id # 2870706
