Quick Summary: The Madras High Court has allowed Venkatachalam and others to bring back witnesses for questioning in a case from Vellore. This decision changes an earlier ruling by the Judicial Magistrate.
Venkatachalam and four others were involved in a legal battle at the Judicial Magistrate No.I in Vellore. They were facing trial under several sections of the Indian Penal Code, including charges related to unlawful assembly and threatening behavior. The case has been ongoing since 2019.
On November 27, 2025, the Judicial Magistrate in Vellore turned down a request by Venkatachalam and his co-petitioners. They wanted to bring back three witnesses (PW1 to PW3) for questioning, which they initially missed due to lack of preparation. The court refused, saying it wanted to speed up the trial.
Venkatachalam and his team, represented by Mr. S. Jagan, appealed to the Madras High Court. They argued that not being able to question the witnesses would be unfair. The Hon'ble Mr. Justice A.D. Jagadish Chandira heard the case on December 19, 2025.
The government lawyer, Mr. S. Santhosh, argued that the witnesses were available and the trial court was trying to speed up the case.
Justice A.D. Jagadish Chandira decided in favor of Venkatachalam. He stated:
"The petitioners are given one chance to question PW1 to PW3, if they pay a fee."
The court canceled the previous order, allowing the witnesses to be brought back if a fee of Rs. 3,000 is paid by December 24, 2025. The trial court was told to make sure the questioning happens on the same day the witnesses show up.
The court specified that each witness would receive Rs. 1,000 on the day they appear. If the petitioners fail to question them on the set date, they will lose this chance.
This decision gives Venkatachalam and his co-petitioners an important opportunity to strengthen their defense in the ongoing trial at Vellore.
