Code:
When an act is an offence by reason of its relation to any other act which is also an offence or which would be an offence if the doer were capable of committing an offence, the first-mentioned offence may be inquired into or tried by a Court within whose local jurisdiction either act was done.
Explanation:
This section states that when an offense is connected to another offense, the trial for both offenses should be held at the same place. This is to ensure efficiency and prevent duplication of effort in the judicial process.
The term “connected” in this context implies a close relationship between the offenses, such as:
- When the offenses are part of the same transaction.
- When they are committed by the same person or group of people.
- When they form part of a larger criminal conspiracy or scheme.
Illustration:
Imagine a situation where someone is accused of theft (Offense 1) and then uses violence to resist arrest (Offense 2). In this case, both offenses are related, and the trial for both would likely be held in the same place, even if the offenses occurred in different locations.
Common Questions and Answers:
Q: What happens if the offenses are not connected?
A: If the offenses are not connected, they can be tried separately at different locations. This decision would be made by the court based on the specific circumstances of the case.
Q: Can the accused request a change of venue for the trial?
A: Yes, the accused can request a change of venue if they believe that a fair trial is not possible at the original location. This request would be based on factors such as bias in the community or threats to their safety.