JAMMU, SEPTEMBER 15 (KNC): The Court of the 2nd Additional Sessions Judge, Jammu, Anoop Kumar Sharma, has directed the Director Prosecution, Jammu & Kashmir, to personally appear or designate a competent Senior Public Prosecutor to assist the court during arguments on framing of charges in a case arising out of a firing incident in Jammu that resulted in the death of a woman.
The court passed the directions after taking note of the extensive record and complex legal and factual issues involved in the matter.
According to the case record, the incident occurred on August 21, 2025, at a residential premises in Jammu. The prosecution has alleged that the premises was being used for activities involving a brothel and exploitation of girls. During the incident, one of the girls reportedly suffered a gunshot injury and later succumbed to her injuries.
The court was informed that the incident was initially treated as a road traffic accident and was investigated by the local police station. Subsequently, the investigation was transferred to the Crime Branch, which later submitted a chargesheet against three accused persons.
During the proceedings concerning the framing of charges, the prosecution sought assistance from senior officials, including the Investigating Officer, citing the substantial volume of material on record and the complexities arising from the investigation.
The court observed that the chargesheet comprises thousands of pages and raises a number of issues requiring detailed consideration. It further noted that the Assistant Public Prosecutor appearing in the matter was unable to provide the level of assistance required, primarily due to the extensive record and intricacies of the case.
While considering the matter, the court referred to Section 20(7) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), observing that the Directorate of Prosecution has an important supervisory role in cases involving offences punishable with 10 years or more imprisonment, imprisonment for life, or the death penalty.
The court further observed that the statutory framework does not bar a judicial forum from seeking assistance from senior prosecution authorities when the nature, seriousness and complexity of a case warrant such intervention.
In view of the circumstances, the court directed the Director Prosecution, J&K, either to personally appear and advance arguments on the question of framing of charges or nominate an appropriately experienced Senior Public Prosecutor to undertake the task.
The court has also directed the Incharge SIT, Crime Branch Jammu, to remain personally present during the proceedings and extend necessary assistance to the prosecution.
A copy of the order has been directed to be forwarded to the Director Prosecution, J&K, and SSP Crime Branch for immediate compliance.
The matter has now been fixed for further proceedings on October 1, 2026, when the court is expected to take up the issue of framing of charges.
The court’s directions underline the seriousness and complexity of the case and seek to ensure that the prosecution receives adequate senior-level assistance before the court proceeds further on the question of charges.(KNC)
