Patna Legal Digest - Tuesday, 24 February 2026
Patna High Court rules brother of deceased qualifies as 'victim' under CrPC, allowing participation in husband's murder appeal; expresses serious discontent with AP police conduct.
In a significant ruling, the Patna High Court has affirmed that the brother of a deceased individual is classified as a "victim" under Section 2(wa) of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), thereby granting him the right to participate in the appeal process related to his brother's murder. This landmark decision not only reinforces the legal standing of family members in criminal proceedings but also highlights the evolving interpretation of victimhood within the Indian legal framework. Such recognition empowers relatives to seek justice and engage more actively in the judicial process, potentially setting a precedent for similar cases across the country.
In a separate but equally critical matter, the Bihar High Court has expressed strong discontent with the Andhra Pradesh police regarding procedural breaches in the arrest of senior IPS officer Sunil Nayak. This ruling underscores the necessity for law enforcement agencies to adhere strictly to legal protocols, particularly in inter-state operations. The court's emphasis on accountability and procedural integrity serves as a reminder of the judiciary's role in safeguarding individual rights and maintaining the rule of law. Collectively, these developments reflect a broader commitment within the legal system to uphold justice and ensure that both victims and law enforcement operate within the bounds of established legal standards.