Sheena Bora case: Court allows IO to be present during trial

A special court holding the Sheena Bora murder trial on Tuesday permitted the investigation officer in the case to be present in the court during its proceedings to assist the public prosecutor.

Special judge J C Jagadale granted permission to the case IO to be present in the court during the trial on a CBI plea. The court gave the permission hearing both the prosecution and defence counsel on the matter.

In a plea to the court earlier, the CBI had sought its permission for IO's presence during the trial saying the case was a complicated one involving voluminous evidence and testimonies to prove the guilt of the accused and the special public prosecutor needed his active support and assistance during the trial. The agency had said the presence of IO K K Singh, also a witness in the case, was vital for the prosecution.

Rules provide that during examination of a witness in a case, another witness of the same case cannot be present in the court.

In order to be present, it is mandatory for the witness to have the permission of the court.