Kerala HC relaxes norms for appearance of accused in court

Kochi, Sep 19 (UNI) The Kerala High Court today directed the lower courts in the State not to insist on the presence of the accused for offences under the Negotiable Instruments Act and other offences in where moral turpitude is not involved.

Mr Justice R Basant also said the accused shall be permitted to appear through counsel and also record the plea in through him.

The accused should be permitted to file their statements through counsel.

Only bailable warrants shall be issued in these type of cases, the court directed.

The court directed sessions judges and chief judicial magistrates to ensure these directions were implemented.

The order was issued on a petition filed by Mr Jain Babu seeking exemption from appearing before a Hozdurg Magistrate Court in a case coming under the Negotiable Instruments Act.

UNI XR ARC GM RL NS1751