IO's Presence Not Required At Framing Of Charge Stage; Adverse Remarks Against Judicial Officer Expunged: Allahabad High Court

In a recent judgment, the Allahabad High Court dismissed the appeal of Shashi Kant Bajpai, who had challenged a trial court's order rejecting his plea to summon the Investigating Officer (IO) during the framing of charges. The accused was facing charges under Sections 498-A, 304-B, 328, 504, and 506 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), along with Section 3/4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act (DPA), in connection with the alleged…