RAM CHANDER vs STATE OF HARYANA

The Supreme Court held that a judge in a criminal trial must actively participate in the proceedings to ascertain the truth, as per Section 165 of the Evidence Act and Section 172(2) of the Code of Criminal Procedure. The Court emphasized that while a judge can question witnesses, this must be done without intimidation or bias, ensuring the principle of fair trial is upheld. The Court found that the Sessions Judge's conduct in threatening witnesses compromised the fairness of the trial, leading to the acquittal of the appellant Ram Chander under Section 302 IPC.