Supreme Court Upholds Accused Rights: Fair Trial and Document Access

The Supreme Court, in a landmark decision, affirmed the constitutional right to a fair trial by granting accused individuals access to documents and statements collected by the Enforcement Directorate during investigations.

This ruling mandates that upon taking cognizance of a prosecution complaint, the special judge must ensure that the accused is provided with a copy of the complaint, and any associated statements, documents, and exhibits, even if not used by investigators.

The verdict arose from a petition by Sarla Gupta, who contested a previous Delhi High Court decision claiming no obligation to furnish such documents at the pre-trial phase in a money laundering case. This decision reinforces the legal safeguards every accused is entitled to in judicial proceedings.

(With inputs from agencies.)