By admin 
Witness Statement Only in Hindi, No Tamil or English Translation – Drug Case Falls Flat in Chennai Court, Accused Acquitted Due to Lack of Admissible Evidence.”
In a significant ruling from a Chennai court, the accused in a high-profile drug trafficking case was acquitted after the court ruled that the key witness statement was inadmissible, as it was recorded only in Hindi without an official translation in Tamil or English, the official languages of the court.
Reacting to the verdict,
Dr. Anthony Raju, Advocate, Supreme Court of India,
Renowned Criminal Lawyer and Leading Human Rights Defender, stated:
“This case highlights the critical importance of procedural compliance in criminal trials. No matter how compelling a witness statement may be, if it is not recorded and presented in a legally admissible manner, it cannot form the basis for conviction. Language barriers and failure to follow due process weaken the foundation of justice.”
Dr. Raju, an expert in POCSO matters, rape cases, dowry death trials, and other serious criminal cases, further remarked:
“As one of the leading advocates in India’s top courts, I have consistently argued that justice must not only be done but be seen to be done — both factually and procedurally. The prosecution must ensure that evidence is not just gathered, but also lawfully submitted in accordance with constitutional safeguards.”
He praised the court’s adherence to legal norms and emphasized that this case serves as a reminder to investigating agencies and prosecutors to ensure linguistic and procedural compliance in all criminal trials.
Witness Statement Only in Hindi, No Tamil or English Translation – Drug Case Falls Flat in Chennai Court, Accused Acquitted Due to Lack of Admissible Evidence.”In a significant ruling from a Chennai court, the accused in a high-profile drug trafficking case was acquitted after the court ruled that the key witness statement was inadmissible, as it was recorded only in Hindi without an official translation in Tamil or English, the official languages of the court.Reacting to the verdict,Dr. Anthony Raju, Advocate, Supreme Court of India,Renowned Criminal Lawyer and Leading Human Rights Defender, stated:> “This case highlights the critical importance of procedural compliance in criminal trials. No matter how compelling a witness statement may be, if it is not recorded and presented in a legally admissible manner, it cannot form the basis for conviction. Language barriers and failure to follow due process weaken the foundation of justice.”Dr. Raju, an expert in POCSO matters, rape cases, dowry death trials, and other serious criminal cases, further remarked:> “As one of the leading advocates in India’s top courts, I have consistently argued that justice must not only be done but be seen to be done — both factually and procedurally. The prosecution must ensure that evidence is not just gathered, but also lawfully submitted in accordance with constitutional safeguards.”He praised the court’s adherence to legal norms and emphasized that this case serves as a reminder to investigating agencies and prosecutors to ensure linguistic and procedural compliance in all criminal trials.