Patna High Court
ManglaversusThe State of Bihar
- Decided
- Disposal
- ALLOWED
Holding
The conviction was set aside as a miscarriage of justice because the appellant was of unsound mind and the trial court failed to follow the provisions of Chapter XXV CrPC.
Summary
Mangla was convicted by the Additional Sessions Judge, Kishanganj, for murder under Section 302 IPC based on the testimony of seven eyewitnesses and a post‑mortem report. During the trial, the court was shown a medical report indicating that Mangla suffered from chronic schizophrenia and was of unsound mind. Despite this, the trial court proceeded, ignored the requirement of Section 329 CrPC, and rejected the defence’s application under Section 311 CrPC for a medical examination. The appellant appealed, contending that the trial court violated Chapter XXV of the CrPC and that his conviction was a miscarriage of justice. The Patna High Court held that the trial court erred by not adhering to the statutory provisions for persons of unsound mind, set aside the conviction and sentence, discharged the appellant, and ordered compensation and proper medical treatment.
Issues considered
- The appellant was of unsound mind at the time of the offence and during trial, requiring application of Chapter XXV CrPC.
- Whether the trial court erred by proceeding without a fitness certificate and by rejecting the Section 311 CrPC application.
- Whether a conviction under Section 302 IPC can stand when the accused is mentally unsound.
Legislation cited
- Code of Criminal Procedure — s. 209, 311, 313, 329
- Indian Penal Code — s. 302
Subjects
- murder
- unsound mind
- mental illness
- Section 302 IPC
- Chapter XXV CrPC
- Section 329 CrPC
- miscarriage of justice
- compensation
- appeal
Judgment
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT PATNA
CRIMINAL APPEAL (DB) No.7 of 2025
Arising Out of PS. Case No.-106 Year-2011 Thana- BAHADURGANJ District- Kishanganj
======================================================
Mangla Son of Bilta Resident of Village- Jhingakata, P.S.- Bahadurganj,
Distt.- Kishanganj, Bihar
... ... Appellant
Versus
The State of Bihar
... ... Respondent
======================================================
Appearance :
For the Appellant : Mr. Prashant Kumar, Advocate
Mr. Mayank Mohan, Advocate
For the Respondent : Mr. Binod Bihari Singh, APP
======================================================
CORAM: HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE RAJEEV RANJAN PRASAD
and
HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE PRAVEEN KUMAR
ORAL JUDGMENT
(Per: HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE PRAVEEN KUMAR)
Date : 10-02-2026
Heard learned counsel for the appellant and learned
Additional Public Prosecutor for the State.
2. This appeal has been preferred on behalf of the
appellant through Patna High Court Legal Services Committee
challenging the judgment of conviction dated 17.02.2018
(hereinafter referred to as the ‘impugned judgment’) and the order
of sentence dated 21.02.2018 (hereinafter referred to as the
‘impugned order’), passed by the learned Additional Sessions
Judge-I, Kishanganj (hereinafter referred to as the ‘learned trial
court’), in Sessions Trial No. 1170/2011, arising out of
Bahadurganj P.S. Case No. 106/2011, whereby the appellant has
been convicted for the offence punishable under Section 302 of the
Indian Penal Code (in short ‘I.P.C.’) and has been ordered to
Patna High Court CR. APP (DB) No.7 of 2025 dt.10-02-2026
2/27
undergo imprisonment for life and a fine of Rs. 10,000/-, and in
default of payment of fine, he has been ordered to further undergo
imprisonment for one year.
Prosecution Case: -
3. The prosecution story, in a nutshell, is that the fard-
beyan of Shamshun Nisha (PW 1), wife of late Mukhtar Alam,
came to be recorded on 26.08.2011 at 10:30 A.M. at Md. Gulam
Haider Tea Shop, Jhigakatta Hat, by the P.S.I. Bhanu Pratap Singh
of Bahadurganj P.S. In the said fard-beyan, the informant has
mainly stated that at 07:00 AM, while her husband Late Mukhtar
Alam was sitting with his brother Md. Gulam Haidar @ Kailu
(PW 3) at the tea-snacks stall of his brother, Mangla (the appellant)
came at the shop and sat there and picked up an axe lying there
and assaulted on the head of her husband by axe causing serious
injuries on the head and as a result of the said injuries, her husband
died at the spot. On hearing the hulla about the said killing, the
people from surrounding caught hold of Mangla (the appellant)
and thrashed him causing serious injuries to him. Thereafter, the
police was informed and on arrival of the police, the appellant was
handed over to them. The informant has claimed that the appellant
has intentionally assaulted her husband leading to his death.
Patna High Court CR. APP (DB) No.7 of 2025 dt.10-02-2026
3/27
4. On the basis of the aforesaid fard-beyan given by
informant (Shamsun Nisha), formal FIR came to be registered as
Bahadurganj Police Station Case No.106 of 2011 on 26.08.2011 at
12:30 hours against sole accused (the appellant herein) for the
offences under Sections 302 IPC.
5. After registration of the F.I.R., the accused-appellant
was taken into custody and sent for treatment. The Investigating
Agency carried out the investigation and, during the course of the
investigation, the Investigating Officer recorded the statement of
the witnesses and collected the necessary evidence. Prior to that
inquest report was prepared on the spot and dead body of the
deceased was sent for conducting the post mortem.
6. After completion of investigation, the Investigating
Officer (I.O.) submitted charge-sheet being Charge-Sheet No. 148
of 2011 dated 31.08.2011 under Section 302 of the IPC.
7. On the basis of the police report, cognizance was
taken under Section 302 IPC against the accused-appellant. As the
case was exclusively triable by the Court of Sessions, the learned
Magistrate committed the same to the Sessions Court under
Section 209 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (in short ‘CrPC’),
where the same was registered as Sessions Trial No.1170 of 2011.
Patna High Court CR. APP (DB) No.7 of 2025 dt.10-02-2026
4/27
8. On 24.08.2012, charges were read over and explained
to the appellant in Hindi to which he pleaded not guilty and
claimed to be tried. Thereafter, the charge was framed against the
appellant for the offence punishable under Section 302 IPC.
9. In course of trial, the prosecution examined as many as
seven witnesses and exhibited one documentary evidence. The
names of the prosecution witnesses and the exhibit are being shown
hereunder in tabular form:-
List of Prosecution Witnesses
PW-1 Shamshun Nisha (informant)
PW-2 Md. Ubed Alam
PW-3 Gulam Haider
PW-4 Md. Rafique Alam
PW-5 Md. Tarique Anjum
PW-6 Md. Ansar
PW-7 Dr. Gadhadhar Prasad Pandey
List of Exhibit on behalf of Prosecution
Exhibit ‘1’ Post mortem report
10. Thereafter, the statement of the accused-appellant was
recorded under Section 313 of the CrPC, in which he took a plea
that he is innocent. The defence did not adduce oral or
documentary evidence.
Finding of the Trial Court: -
11. The learned trial court has recorded in its finding that
all the prosecution witnesses have supported the occurrence and
Patna High Court CR. APP (DB) No.7 of 2025 dt.10-02-2026
5/27
have deposed that the appellant had inflicted the axe blows on the
head of the deceased as a result of which the deceased died on the
spot. There is no occasion to disbelieve their evidence. The
learned trial court has held that there is no contradiction in the
evidence of the prosecution witnesses. The place, time and manner
of occurrence and the injuries found on the body of the deceased
are fully corroborated by the evidence on record. The trial court
has also held that mere non-examination of the Investigating
Officer will not render the prosecution case to be prejudicial to the
right of the appellant.
12. Learned trial court found that on the basis of the
cogent, convincing and reliable evidences brought on the record,
prosecution has been able to prove the guilt against the appellant.
Hence, learned trial court convicted the appellant for the offence
punishable under Section 302 IPC.
DISCUSSION WITH REGARD TO THE
DEPOSITION OF THE PROSECUTION WITNESSES:-
13. At this stage, we would appreciate the relevant
evidence given by the witnesses. The informant (PW 1), namely,
Shamshun Nisha, the wife of the deceased, has mainly deposed in
her examination-in-chief that the occurrence took place at around
three years ago. In the morning, her husband was at the tea stall of
Patna High Court CR. APP (DB) No.7 of 2025 dt.10-02-2026
6/27
his brother, where the accused-appellant assaulted on the head of
her husband by means of axe, leading to his death at the spot. The
tea stall belonged to the younger brother of the husband of the
informant, who was also sitting alongside him. On hearing the
hulla, when the informant reached at the tea stall, she saw her
husband dead. The accused-appellant was caught by the people
there, police was informed, the police came and recorded her fard-
beyan, which was read over to her and having found the same to
be correct, she put her LTI on it. Thereafter, the police took the
accused-appellant into custody along with the axe. The dead body
was sent for post mortem. She identified the accused-appellant,
who was present in the court.
14. In her cross-examination, PW 1 has admitted that
she has not herself seen the occurrence and she has given her
statement on the information gathered from the people. She has
admitted that there was no enmity or transaction of money
between the deceased and the accused-appellant.
15. PW 2, namely, Md. Ubed Alam, has deposed in his
examination-in-chief that the occurrence took place in the morning
of ninth month of 2011. While he was going to the market from his
house, he heard that one insane person has killed someone. When
they reached there, they saw that the deceased had died and came
Patna High Court CR. APP (DB) No.7 of 2025 dt.10-02-2026
7/27
to know that Mangla has killed the deceased by axe. He has
deposed that he knows the accused-appellant, who used to roam in
the market, but does not know from where he belonged to.
16. In his cross-examination, PW 2 has deposed that he
has not seen that the accused-appellant killed the deceased by
means of axe, he came to know about it from people in the market
that the accused-appellant was roaming in the market with an axe.
17. PW 3, namely, Gulam Haidar, has deposed in his
examination-in-chief that at the time of occurrence, at about 07:00,
his brother (deceased) was at the tea stall and PW 3 was in his
house. When he went to the tea stall after hearing the hulla, he saw
that his brother was lying dead on the ground with complete blood
out of his body. People were surrounding the accused-appellant
and told that the accused-appellant has killed the deceased by axe.
Police had arrived by then and the accused-appellant was holding
the axe with blood stains on it. Police took away the accused-
appellant.
18. In his cross-examination, PW 3 deposed that no
quarrel had ever taken place between the deceased and the
accused-appellant. Accused-appellant used to roam around the
market and beg for food. Everyone in the market said that accused-
Patna High Court CR. APP (DB) No.7 of 2025 dt.10-02-2026
8/27
appellant has killed the deceased and even the son of PW 3 told
him about it.
19. PW 4, namely, Md. Rafique Alam, has also deposed
in his examination-in-chief that the occurrence took place three
years ago at around 07:00 AM. He had come to the tea stall for
taking tea, and while he was taking tea, he saw the accused-
appellant came from the back side of the tea stall with one axe and
gave blow with axe on the head of the deceased. The deceased
died there. He identified the accused-appellant in the court.
20. In his cross-examination, PW 4 has deposed that
there was no enmity between the accused-appellant and the
deceased, the deceased gave the blow without any warning. He
thereafter deposed that he went to the place of occurrence on
hearing hulla and people told him.
21. PW 5, namely, Md. Tarique Anjum, had deposed in
his examination-in-chief that the occurrence took place in the
morning two years ago. He was sitting on a chowki on the side of
the road, where tea stall of Gulam Haider is situated. The deceased
was also sitting there. The accused-appellant came from behind
with an axe and gave axe blow on the head of the deceased, when
he turned up on hearing the sound he saw that the accused-
appellant had given two-three axe blows on the head of the
Patna High Court CR. APP (DB) No.7 of 2025 dt.10-02-2026
9/27
deceased causing severe injuries on his head and he died. He has
identified the accused who was present in the court.
22. In his cross-examination, PW 5 has deposed that the
accused-appellant used to roam around the market. He does not
know the residence of the accused-appellant. The accused-
appellant does not do anything, if someone gives something, he
used to eat. From his appearance, accused-appellant does not
seem to be of sound mental health. He denied that the accused-
appellant is innocent.
23. PW 6, namely, Md. Ansar, has deposed in his
examination-in-chief that the occurrence took place at 07:00
AM two years ago. His house is near the place of occurrence.
When he was opening his garage, he heard that the accused-
appellant has killed the deceased by means of axe, when he
reached there, he saw that the deceased has died due to injuries.
The people caught hold the accused-appellant and snatched the
axe. He identified the accused.
24. In his cross-examination, PW 6 has deposed that by
appearance, the accused-appellant seems to be mentally derailed.
Accused-appellant had inflicted four axe blows. The accused-
appellant did not have any enmity with the deceased. The accused-
appellant used to roam around like a mad man and if someone
Patna High Court CR. APP (DB) No.7 of 2025 dt.10-02-2026
10/27
gives something he used to eat it. He denies that the accused is
innocent.
25. PW 7, Dr. Gadhadhar Prasad Pandey, is the doctor,
who conducted the post-mortem examination of the dead body of
the deceased. He has deposed in his examination-in-chief that he
was posted as M.O. at S.D.H., Kishanganj. On 26.08.2011, at
01:05 PM, he conducted the post mortem examination of the dead
body the deceased and found the following ante mortem injuries:-
“I. Incised wound 1-1/2” x 1/2” x bone
deep on Lt. Side of front of head.
II. Incised wound 2”x1/2”x fracture of
underline bone on back of left side of head.
III. Incised wound 2’”x 1/2” x fracture of
underline bone below injury no.2.
IV. Incised wound 1-3/4”x1/2”x fracture of
underline bone on back of left side of head. Brain
bruised at places of fracture of skull bone.
Cause of injuries – sharp cutting weapon.
Time since death – within 12 hours.
Cause of death – Hemorrhage and shock
caused by above mentioned injuries.”
26. In his cross-examination, PW 7 has deposed that
such type of injuries cannot be possible by fall on jhagar used for
lifting bucket from the well.
Patna High Court CR. APP (DB) No.7 of 2025 dt.10-02-2026
11/27
Submission of learned counsel of the appellant: -
27. Learned counsel for the appellant has submitted, at
the outset, that the trial court has, during course of the trial noticed
the behaviour of the appellant to be abnormal, stayed the
proceeding, sought a report from the jail authorities and the Doctor
regarding his mental condition. The report of the jail doctor
suggests that the appellant was suffering from mental disease-
chronic-schizophrenia. All the prosecution witnesses have deposed
in their evidence that the appellant was ‘pagal’ and used to roam
around the market. However, without awaiting for the fitness
report in this regard, the trial court concluded the trial and
convicted the appellant. The provisions prescribed in Chapter-
XXV CrPC were not followed and the protection flowing from the
said provision did not incur in favour of the appellant. Even the
application of the appellant under Section 311 CrPC was rejected.
He submits that accordingly the impugned judgment warrants
interference by this Court and the same may be set aside.
Submission of learned counsel of the State: -
28. Learned Additional Public Prosecutor for the State
has submitted that there is no infirmity in the impugned judgment
as all the prosecution witnesses have supported the occurrence and
in their evidence they have deposed that the appellant has killed
Patna High Court CR. APP (DB) No.7 of 2025 dt.10-02-2026
12/27
the deceased. The murder weapon was also recovered and the
appellant was arrested from the place of occurrence itself.
However, learned Additional Public Prosecutor could not
controvert the submission of learned counsel for the appellant that
the provisions under Chapter XXV CrPC were not followed.
Consideration: -
29. From the perusal of the records including the
evidences adduced on behalf of the prosecution and the different
orders passed by the learned trial court, it is clear that the appellant
was of unsound mind and was also lunatic at the time of
occurrence as well as during the proceedings of trial in the trial
court. The prosecution witnesses have categorically stated in their
evidence that the appellant was of unsound mind at the time of
commission of the occurrence.
30. From perusal of the record, it further transpires that
order-sheets of the trial court would clearly reflect that on one
stage, vide order dated 18.01.2014, during the production of the
accused before the trial court, his behaviour appeared abnormal
and lunatic and as such, the trial court directed the Jail
Superintendent to submit a report from the Jail Doctor about the
mental condition of the appellant. It would further appear from the
order dated 05.02.2014 of the learned trial court that the report of
Patna High Court CR. APP (DB) No.7 of 2025 dt.10-02-2026
13/27
the Jail Doctor was received and the same was produced before the
trial court.
31. The Jail Doctor, namely, Dr. Sunil Kumar, had
reported that the under-trial accused/appellant is suffering from
mental disease-chronic Schizophrenia, therefore, he is required to
be provided proper treatment and his production before the court is
required to be stayed till he regains mental fitness as he is
possessing an unsound mind at the moment and is capable of
making mistakes. The learned trial court stayed the further
proceedings till the submission of the report of the Jail Doctor
regarding the appellant’s mental fitness. The order duly records
that the provisions of Section 329 CrPC are required to be
followed.
32. The Jail Superintendent and Jail Doctor Nishaya
were directed to take proper steps for treatment of mental disorder
of the under-trial accused and to report the learned court after he
regains his mental fitness. This order of the learned trial court was
forwarded to Superintendent of Jail, Kishanganj.
33. Thereafter, the reports were somehow kept pending
and it appears that the appellant was sent to Dr. Jawaharlal Nehru
Medical College and Hospital, Bhagalpur, but no report regarding
his fitness was submitted to the trial court. These facts are
Patna High Court CR. APP (DB) No.7 of 2025 dt.10-02-2026
14/27
recorded in the order dated 15.05.2014 of the learned trial court.
Further, it appears from the records that the trial of the accused-
appellant was transferred to the court of learned Additional District
and Sessions Judge-I, Kishanganj. The fitness report was still not
received rather the order dated 04.08.2014 would show that the
accused was still mentally unfit.
34. In this manner, the records were kept pending one
after another date and lastly on 11.07.2016, the accused-appellant
was produced in court with the custody warrant and the case was
fixed for evidence. Thereafter, it appears that the learned trial court
completely forgot the fact that no fitness certificate of the accused
was ever produced by the Jail Superintendent and even during the
evidence of the prosecution witnesses, it has transpired that the
accused-appellant had lost his mental balance. It further transpires
that during his statement recorded under Section 313 CrPC, the
learned trial court ordered to appoint an Advocate for him through
the District Legal Services Authority. Later on, one Prabhat Kumar
Rai, Advocate, was deputed by the District Legal Services
Authority to defend the accused. Further, it transpires from the
order of the learned trial court dated 29.11.2017 that the learned
defence lawyer appearing in the trial court on behalf of the
accused-appellant, filed an application under Section 311 CrPC
Patna High Court CR. APP (DB) No.7 of 2025 dt.10-02-2026
15/27
and requested the learned court to call for all the medical reports
relating to the accused, but unfortunately vide order dated
18.12.2017, this application was rejected by the learned Additional
District and Sessions Judge- I, Kishanganj, on the ground that the
accused was medically examined vide medical report dated
13.06.2014, but during the whole trial the defence has not taken
any step to get the same exhibited and because the case is of the
year 2011, such application was filed by the defence only to
prolong the trial.
35. The learned trial court rejected the application of the
defence under Section 311 CrPC to examine the doctor, who had
medically examined the accused and went on to record a finding
that the accused seems medically fit and healthy.
36. In order to appreciate the matter in its totality, this
Court would like to refer to Chapter XXV of the CrPC wherein the
provisions as to accused persons of unsound mind has been
provided. This Court would like to reproduce Section 329 CrPC
for ready reference, which reads thus: -
“329. Procedure in case of person of
unsound mind tried before Court.—(1) If at the
trial of any person before a Magistrate or
Court of Session, it appears to the Magistrate
or Court that such person is of unsound mind
and consequently incapable of making his
Patna High Court CR. APP (DB) No.7 of 2025 dt.10-02-2026
16/27
defence, the Magistrate or Court shall, in the
first instance, try the fact of such unsoundness
and incapacity, and if the Magistrate or Court,
after considering such medical and other
evidence as may be produced before him or it,
is satisfied of the fact, he or it shall record a
finding to that effect and shall postpone further
proceedings in the case.
1
[(1-A) If during trial, the Magistrate
or Court of Sessions finds the accused to be of
unsound mind, he or it shall refer such person
to a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist for
care and treatment, and the psychiatrist or
clinical psychologist, as the case may be shall
report to the Magistrate or Court whether the
accused is suffering from unsoundness of mind:
Provided that if the accused is
aggrieved by the information given by the
psychiatric or clinical psychologist, as the case
may be, to the Magistrate, he may prefer an
appeal before the Medical Board which shall
consist of—
(a) head of psychiatry unit in the
nearest government hospital; and
(b) a faculty member in psychiatry in
the nearest medical college.]
2
[(2) If such Magistrate or Court is
informed that the person referred to in sub-
1. Inserted by Act 5 of 2009, S. 26 (w.e.f. 31-12-2009).
2. Substituted by Act 5 of 2009, S. 26, for sub-S. (2) (w.e.f. 31-12-2009).
Patna High Court CR. APP (DB) No.7 of 2025 dt.10-02-2026
17/27
section (1A) is a person of unsound mind, the
Magistrate or Court shall further determine
whether unsoundness of mind renders the
accused incapable of entering defence and if
the accused is found so incapable, the
Magistrate or Court shall record a finding to
that effect and shall examine the record of
evidence produced by the prosecution and after
hearing the advocate of the accused but
without questioning the accused, if the
Magistrate or Court finds that no prima facie
case is made out against the accused, he or it
shall, instead of postponing the trial, discharge
the accused and deal with him in the manner
provided under section 330:
Provided that if the Magistrate or
Court finds that a prima facie case is made out
against the accused in respect of whom a
finding of unsoundness of mind is arrived at, he
shall postpone the trial for such period, as in
the opinion of the psychiatrist or clinical
psychologist, is required for the treatment of
the accused.
(3) If the Magistrate or Court finds
that a prima facie case is made out against the
accused and he is incapable of entering
defence by reason of mental retardation, he or
it shall not hold the trial and order the accused
to be dealt with in accordance with section
330.]”
Patna High Court CR. APP (DB) No.7 of 2025 dt.10-02-2026
18/27
37. From a bare perusal of Section 329 (1) CrPC, it is
clear and there appears no ambiguity in coming to a conclusion
that it appears to the Magistrate or Court that if a person is of
unsound mind and consequently incapable of making his defence,
the Magistrate or Court shall, in the first instance, try the fact of
such unsoundness and incapacity, and if the Magistrate or Court,
after considering such medical and other evidence as may be
produced before him or it is satisfied of the fact that he or she shall
record a finding to that effect and shall postpone further
proceedings in the case.
38. It appears from perusal of the record as discussed
above, particularly by orders of the trial court dated 18.01.2014,
wherein the learned trial court came to a finding prima facie that
the behaviour of the accused-appellant was abnormal and lunatic.
A report was called for by the Jail Superintendent regarding the
mental condition of the appellant. Further, order dated 05.02.2014
of the trial court would reflect that the report of Jail Doctor,
namely, Dr. Sunil Kumar, was on record, wherein he reported to
the trial court that the appellant was suffering from mental disease-
chronic schizophrenia and suggested for his treatment.
39. Considering the report of the Jail Doctor, an order
was duly recorded by the trial court that the provisions of Section
Patna High Court CR. APP (DB) No.7 of 2025 dt.10-02-2026
19/27
329 CrPC have to be followed with respect to the accused-
appellant and also directed the appropriate authorities to take
proper steps for treatment of mental disorder of the accused-
appellant and further directed to report the matter after his
treatment when he regains his mental fitness. The order having
came to be forwarded to Superintendent of Jail, Kishanganj for
information, the report never thereafter came to be submitted by
any of the medical authorities or the jail authorities and it appears
that no positive steps in this regard was taken by the trial court. If
there was no report of either the jail authorities or the medical
authorities and when the matter came to be stayed till a report of
fitness of the accused, then the trial court ought not to have
proceeded any further in absence of the medical report when the
trial of the accused-appellant was already stayed. The rejection of
Section 311 CrPC application by the learned trial court also does
not appear to be proper when the learned trial court has itself
ordered to appoint an Advocate for the accused-appellant through
District Legal Services Authority giving a finding while recording
his statement under Section 313 CrPC that he has lost his mental
balance and he is not able to understand the question, Section 311
CrPC application having been filed so as to re-examine the
Patna High Court CR. APP (DB) No.7 of 2025 dt.10-02-2026
20/27
accused-appellant who had already been examined during the trial
ought not to have been rejected in the interest of justice.
40. The sole issue in this case from the beginning till the
conclusion of the trial was the fact that whether the appellant was
lunatic or not. The order of the learned trial court having reflected
the fact that the appellant was lunatic since before the recording of
evidence and till conclusion of the trial and even during the
recording of the statement of the accused-appellant under Section
313 CrPC, the learned trial court came to a finding that the
accused-appellant was having mental disorder and the reports were
on record, the learned trial court should not have proceeded further
even after that stage and would have followed the provisions as
provided under Chapter XXV CrPC. The mandate of law as
decided by this Court and the Hon’ble Apex Court in a catena of
decision would clearly show the provisions as contained in
Chapter XXV CrPC be strictly followed.
41. In course of hearing of this appeal for suspension of
sentence and release on bail, this Court vide order dated
02.09.2025 not only suspended the sentence but also issued the
following directions:-
“12. Before the appellant is released, a
complete medical check-up of the appellant shall be
conducted in the nearby medical college and hospital
Patna High Court CR. APP (DB) No.7 of 2025 dt.10-02-2026
21/27
and if it is found that he is still mentally unfit, it will
be the bounden duty of the State to get the appellant
admitted in a hospital where he may receive proper
treatment and such cost of treatment shall be borne
by the State. His family member/ relatives (if any)
shall be informed about his treatment and release
and this will be the responsibility of the Jail
Superintendent and the District Magistrate,
Kishanganj.
13. We call upon the State to submit a
comprehensive report pointing out as to why no
mental fitness certificate was produced by the
prosecution before proceeding with the examination
of prosecution witnesses. We would also like to know
as to why the accused despite being mentally unfit
was not sent to a proper hospital for his further
treatment. In this connection, a complete report from
the then Jail Superintendent, Kishanganj and the
public prosecutor who represented the State be called
for and be submitted to this Court within three weeks
from today.”
42. Thereafter, we passed the order dated 17.10.2025
which is being reproduced hereunder:-
“In course of hearing of the matter today it
transpired that the appellant is still being kept in jail
perhaps for the reason that nobody from his family
has come to receive him. It has also transpired that
from Purnea jail, he is being sent to Government
Patna High Court CR. APP (DB) No.7 of 2025 dt.10-02-2026
22/27
Medical College and Hospital, Purnea as and when
advised by the doctor.
2. Vide our order dated 02.09.2025, we
have already directed for suspension of sentence and
release of appellant on bail during pendency of the
appeal without any bail bond. In such circumstances,
his continuance in jail is wholly illegal and in breach
of the mandate of the order of this Court.
3. On the next date of hearing, this Court
would consider initiating a contempt proceeding
against the erring officials for their willful
disobedience and disregard shown to our order.
4. This Court directs the Principal District
and Sessions Judge, Purnea, to depute the Secretary,
District Legal Services Authority to visit the jail
premises, meet the appellant and find out his present
condition after interaction with him as well as the
doctor treating him. The report in this regard be
submitted in this Court.
5. The Secretary, District Legal Services
Authority shall also meet the family member of the
appellant wherever they are living and discuss with
them the issues if any which may be existing in the
matter of the return of the appellant to his home.
6. The District Magistrate, Kishanganj and
Jail Superintendent Kishanganj, who have been
made responsible to ensure that the appellant gets
admitted in the hospital and receive proper treatment
and also to meet the cost of treatment to be borne by
the State shall file their respective affidavits as to
Patna High Court CR. APP (DB) No.7 of 2025 dt.10-02-2026
23/27
why they be not proceeded against for not complying
with the order of this Court and despite the order,
sending the appellant to jail again and again be not
treated as contemptuous.
7. List this matter on 12.11.2025. Let a
copy of the order be communicated to the Principal
District and Sessions Judge, Purnea, the District
Magistrate, Kishanganj and the Jail Superintendent
of Kishanganj and Purnea.”
43. Pursuant to our order dated 17.10.2025, the Jail
Superintendent, Divisional Jail, Kishanganj and the District
Magistrate, Kishanganj filed their respective show-cause. We have
considered the same in our order dated 19.11.2025 as under:-
“Heard learned counsel for the appellant
and learned Additional Public Prosecutor for the
State.
2. In pursuance of this Court's order dated
17.10.2025, the Jail Superintendent, Divisional Jail,
Kishanganj and the District Magistrate, Kishanganj
have filed their respective show-cause.
3. It appears on going through the records
that after finding the seriousness of the order passed
by this Court, ultimately, the respondent authorities
have acted and what have been found during this
exercise, speak of the complete inaction on the part
of the Investigating Officer of the case.
4. Now it has been revealed in the
communication contained in Letter No. 2834 dated
Patna High Court CR. APP (DB) No.7 of 2025 dt.10-02-2026
24/27
26.10.2025 (Annexure R-15 series) of the Jail
Superintendent, Divisional Jail, Kishanganj that the
real name of the appellant is Zahiruddin, Son of
Zenuddin, R/o Village-Bhatabadi, P.S.-Bahadurganj,
District-Kishanganj. The verification has been done
by the Anchala Adhikari, Bahadurganj and Dighal
Bank. After the said verification, the appellant (real
name Zahiruddin) has been released and handed-
over to his sister, namely, Moharni Nisha, Wife of
Moinuddin, R/o Village-Teknigarhi, Ward No. 12,
Panchayat Lohagadda, P.S.-Modbari, Block-Dighal
Bank, District-Kishanganj.
5. It is evident that the whole trial has been
conducted without verification of the appellant and
this only strengthens our views that expressed in our
order dated 02.09.2025.
6. We will consider the show-cause filed on
behalf of the Jail Superintendent, Divisional Jail,
Kishanganj and the District Magistrate, Kishanganj
on the next appointed date.
7. In the meantime, the District Magistrate,
Kishanganj and the Superintendent of Police,
Kishanganj shall submit a brief report as to why
proper verification of the appellant could not be done
at the relevant time and who are responsible for this.
8. The District Legal Service Authority,
Purnia shall keep on getting report with respect to
the appellant through the Para-legal volunteers.
9. The sister of the appellant shall be
apprised that she may appear before this Court,
Patna High Court CR. APP (DB) No.7 of 2025 dt.10-02-2026
25/27
instruct the lawyer representing the appellant
through Patna High Court Legal Service Committee
and take appropriate steps as may be advised to her.
10. List this matter, under the same
heading, on 18.12.2025.
11. In the meantime, the order, as above,
shall be complied by the concerned authorities.”
44. This Court has further passed the order dated
18.12.2025, which is being reproduced hereunder:-
“Heard Mr. Prashant Kumar, learned
counsel for the appellant and Mr. Ajay Mishra,
learned Addl. Public Prosecutor for the State.
2. The sister and the brother-in-law of the
appellant have also appeared before this Court and
informed that now the appellant is with them. He
requires treatment and that treatment is being
provided to the appellant with the help of the
Government.
3. In the circumstances, which have
transpired in this case, we direct listing of this
appeal "For Hearing" within top five cases on 10 of
February, 2026).
4. Office shall prepare the paper book and
circulate the same.
5. Show-cause filed on behalf of the
District Magistrate, Kishanganj and the Jail
Superintendent, Kishanganj are accepted.”
Patna High Court CR. APP (DB) No.7 of 2025 dt.10-02-2026
26/27
45. Having given our deepest and anxious consideration
on the facts in issue, we find the judgment of conviction dated
17.02.2018 and the order of sentence dated 21.02.2018, passed by
the learned Additional Sessions Judge-I, Kishanganj, in Sessions
Trial No. 1170/2011, arising out of Bahadurganj P.S. Case No.
106/2011, warrants interference. We also further record a finding
that complete miscarriage of justice has been done to the appellant
and as such, we set aside the impugned judgment of conviction
dated 17.02.2018 and the order of sentence dated 21.02.2018,
passed by the learned Additional Sessions Judge-I, Kishanganj, in
Sessions Trial No. 1170/2011.
46. This appeal is allowed.
47. The appellant is discharged from the liabilities of his
bail bonds.
48. Before parting with the judgment, we record a
finding that complete miscarriage of justice has been done with the
appellant due to which he has remained in incarceration for a
period of about 15 years. Even as the learned trial court came to
record a finding in the year 2014 itself that the appellant was a
lunatic, proceeding under Chapter XXV CrPC has not been
resorted to and moreover, the efforts of his rehabilitation could not be
taken and valuable years of the appellant has been lost and still today
Patna High Court CR. APP (DB) No.7 of 2025 dt.10-02-2026
27/27
perhaps due to lack of treatment and rehabilitation, he may be of
unsound mind and a lunatic.
49. Therefore, we deem it fit and proper to direct for
award of adequate compensation to the present appellant. The
District Legal Services Authority, Kishanganj, shall determine the
compensation amount and provide the same to the appellant within
eight weeks from the date of communication of a copy of this
judgment. The District Magistrate, Kishanganj, shall arrange for
proper treatment of the appellant and all expenses in this regard
shall be borne by the State.
50. Let a copy of this judgment together with the trial
court’s record be sent down to the learned trial court.
(Rajeev Ranjan Prasad, J)
(Praveen Kumar, J)
Pawan/-
AFR/NAFR NAFR
CAV DATE N/A
Uploading Date 24.02.2026.
Transmission Date 24.02.2026.
Checking your session…
Lawyer court records for this case
Associated through the court’s case reference.