Submitting pic of accused, witnesses must, says SC

It said the officer arresting the accused must certify the photographs and furnish particulars of the person's identities in the certificate submitted in the court along with the charge sheet.

Observing that there have been instances in recent times of persons accused in a case either staying away from the court or evading prison sentences through impersonation, a three-member bench of the apex court has upheld the Madhya Pradesh High Court's ruling on a petition that the prosecution must submit pictures of the accused and witnesses.

The bench, comprised of Justices A Pasayat, D K Jain and M K Sharma, has however exempted rape victims from this procedure. The prosecution would similarly have to submit relevant reasons for protecting identities, if they have a need to do so by not affixing photographs.