Mangilal vs State Of Madhya Pradesh

The Supreme Court addressed the interpretation of Section 357 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, concerning the grant of compensation to victims. The Court held that the High Court's direction to impose compensation without hearing the accused violated principles of natural justice. The Court emphasized that compensation is distinct from fines and requires consideration of the accused's circumstances before imposition. The appeal was allowed in part, focusing on the procedural fairness in awarding compensation.