Victim has fundamental right to fair investigation and trial, says SC

Observing that a victim has a fundamental right to a fair trial, the Supreme Court on Friday ordered Maharashtra Police to further investigate the alleged assault on a man at NCP MLA Jitendra Awhad's bungalow over an objectionable social media post.

The alleged incident had taken place on the night of April 5, 2020.

According to the victim's complaint, some policemen were also involved in "abducting" him and taking him to the bungalow of the former Maharashtra minister.

While refusing to order a CBI probe in the matter, a bench of Justices MR Shah and CT Ravikumar said the Bombay High Court has not committed any error in refusing to transfer the investigation to CBI.

The apex court said it is in complete agreement with the view taken by the High Court insofar as refusing to transfer the investigation to CBI is concerned.

"Even according to the state investigation agency, a further investigation is required. As observed and held by this Court in the aforesaid decisions, the victim