State Of Punjab vs Bhag Singh

The Supreme Court held that the High Court's refusal to grant leave to appeal against acquittal under Section 378(3) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, without providing reasons, is indefensible. The Court emphasized that the High Court is obligated to independently re-appraise evidence when the trial court fails to do so, particularly in cases where the prosecution relies solely on official witnesses without independent corroboration. The Court found that the High Court's dismissal of the appeal without reasons undermines the judicial process and necessitates a reevaluation of the acquittal.