Reviewed case brief

V.C. Shukla v. State (Delhi Administration)

(1980) 2 SCC 665

Landmark authority on the requirement that charges must be specific and definite to ensure fair trial.

chargeframingspecificityS.233-BNSSfair-trialsem-5
Court
Supreme Court of India
Year
1980
Subjects
Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita
Reviewed
2026-06-30

Rule established

A charge must be specific and definite so as to give the accused clear notice of the accusation. Vague or omnibus charges that do not specify the particulars of time, place, and manner of offence violate the right to a fair trial. However, technical defects in framing of charge that do not prejudice the accused are curable.

Facts

    Issues

      Held

        Ratio decidendi

        How to use it in an exam

        Editorial source

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        Educational summary only. Read the reported judgment or an authorised law report before relying on the case professionally.