Cross Examination of Witness Should Relate to Relevant Facts
The objects of cross-examination are to impeach the accuracy, credibility, and general value of the evidence given in-chief, to sift the facts already stated by the witness, to detect and expose discrepancies, or to elicit suppressed facts which will support the case of the cross-examining party. Section 138 does not mandate that cross-examination should be confined to the facts spoken during the examination-in-chief. The parties have liberty to elicit anything from the witness as long as it relates to the relevant facts. Irrelevant topics sometimes pursued 23 apeal-485-06-i
at great length, and persistence shown in going over the same ground again and again in the hope of making the witness to give discrepant statements must not be permitted. Control over the court proceedings by the Presiding Officer in such a situation is expected.
at great length, and persistence shown in going over the same ground again and again in the hope of making the witness to give discrepant statements must not be permitted. Control over the court proceedings by the Presiding Officer in such a situation is expected.
Bombay High Court
Sunil Atmaram More vs The State(At The Instance on 6 May, 2011
