In a recent court decision, Judge Tirumala Devi Eada dismissed a request to call back witnesses in a sensitive POCSO case. The request aimed to revisit the statements of important witnesses, but the court found no strong reason to allow it.
The case involves Sri Yata Mahesh, who wanted to change an earlier court order from July 2025. This order was made by the Fast Track Special Judge for Rape and POCSO cases in Ranga Reddy District. Sri Yata Mahesh wanted to call back witnesses to question them again, claiming the initial questioning wasn't done well enough.
Sri Srinivas Podicheti, speaking for Sri Yata Mahesh, argued that the previous lawyer did not effectively question witnesses PWs 1 to 3. He insisted that this mistake could change the outcome of the case. On the other hand, Sri Jithender Rao Veeramalla, the Additional Public Prosecutor, argued that changing lawyers isn't a good reason to call back witnesses.
"The right to question witnesses is important, but it must be balanced with the rights of the witnesses," argued the Public Prosecutor.
The court noted that the initial lawyer had already questioned PWs 1 to 3 thoroughly. Judge Eada emphasized that calling back witnesses, especially in sensitive cases, could cause unnecessary stress, particularly since these witnesses included the victim's mother and uncle.
The petitioner's lawyer mentioned past cases, including a decision by the High Court of Madras, to support their request. However, the court found these past cases not relevant, as the situations were quite different.
"Changing lawyers is not a reason to call back the witness," referenced from a Supreme Court decision.
Judge Eada concluded that the trial court's decision was correct and based on solid reasoning. Therefore, the request to recall PWs 1 to 3 was dismissed, supporting the trial court's original order.
