MAHANT KAUSHALYA DAS vs STATE OF MADRAS

The Supreme Court held that the requirements of Section 243 of the Code of Criminal Procedure are mandatory, and any violation vitiates the trial, rendering the conviction legally invalid. The Court emphasized that the exact words of the accused's plea must be recorded in his own language to ensure proper administration of justice. It ruled that the failure to comply with this provision was serious enough to invalidate the conviction, as the appellant's admission was not recorded as required. The Court also clarified that Section 243 overrides the general provision of Section 362(2)(A).