Witness in a bit of confusion during his cross-examination – Not improper for Trial Court to put questions during his cross-examination to elicit truth

Evi. Act S.165 and 137: Witness in a bit of confusion during his cross-examination – Not improper for trial Court to put questions during his cross-examination to elicit truth: A judge is expected to actively participate in the trial, elicit necessary materials from witnesses at the appropriate context which he feels necessary for reaching the correct conclusion. There is nothing which inhibits his power to put questions to the witnesses, either during Chief examination or cross-examination or even during re-examination to elicit truth. The corollary of it is that if a judge felt that a witness has committed an error or a slip it is the duty of the judge to ascertain whether it was so for to err is human and the chances of erring may accelerate under stress of nervousness during cross-examination. Criminal justice is not to be founded on erroneous answers spelled out by witnesses during evidence collecting process. It is a useful exercise for trial judge to remain active and alert so that errors can be minimised.​- State of Rajasthan Vs. Ani alias Hanif and Ors, AIR 1997 SC 1023​