Patna: The Patna High Court arranged a direct video-conferencing interaction with an incarcerated appellant after his lawyer raised concerns about pressure to secure a favourable outcome in a criminal appeal through intermediaries.
A division bench comprising Justice Rajiv Ranjan Prasad and Justice Sunil Dutt Mishra directed that the appellant, Kedar Pandit, alias Lallu Pandit, who is lodged in Beur Central Jail in Patna, be connected to the court proceedings through video conferencing.
During the hearing, the lawyer, Ajay Kumar Sharma, expressed concern that his client was repeatedly pressuring him to ensure victory in the case through intermediaries.
Court Explains That No Lawyer Can Guarantee Victory
The bench spoke directly to Pandit over video conferencing and explained that no lawyer could guarantee or promise a favourable outcome in a case.
Following the interaction, Pandit agreed that Sharma would continue to represent him in the appeal.
The court also issued directions intended to ensure that the appellant remained informed about the proceedings and could participate in the legal process with a better understanding of the case.
Legal Assistance During Further Hearings
The bench directed its bench officer to reconnect the appellant to the proceedings online on Tuesday at 2.30pm.
It also instructed the Superintendent of Beur Central Jail and the Secretary of the Patna District Legal Services Authority to ensure that a panel lawyer remained present with Pandit during the hearing.
The panel lawyer has been asked to explain the proceedings to the appellant in simple terms so that he can understand the developments in his case.
