Earlier Testimony of Deceased Witness Admissible Against Absconding Accused if Section 299 CrPC Conditions Are Fulfilled: Supreme Court

The Supreme Court has held that the testimony of a deceased witness recorded during the trial of co-accused can be relied upon against an accused who deliberately remained absconding, provided the mandatory conditions under Section 299 of the Code of Criminal Procedure were satisfied when the evidence was recorded. The Court set aside the Calcutta High Court's judgment and restored the trial court's order permitting the prosecution to rely upon…