JOGINDER SINGH vs STATE OF PUNJAB

The Supreme Court held that Section 319 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 empowers a Sessions Court to add any person as an accused during trial if sufficient evidence indicates their involvement in the offence. The Court clarified that Sections 193 and 209 do not bar the Sessions Court from taking cognizance of the case as a court of original jurisdiction. The appeal was dismissed, affirming that the Sessions Court's authority to summon additional accused is integral to the trial process.