Zahira Habibullah Sheikh v State of Gujarat
decided 2006-03-08 (reporter citation not confirmed)20061 min read
The case in brief30-second read
- Facts
- Zahira Sheikh, a key witness in the Best Bakery case from the 2002 Gujarat riots, repeatedly changed her testimony. After the 2004 decision ordering a retrial, the Court held an inquiry into her conduct.
- Issue
- Whether she was guilty of contempt of court for her shifting stands.
- Held
- She was held guilty of contempt and sentenced to one year's simple imprisonment and costs of Rs 50,000; her assets were attached and the income-tax authorities directed to inquire into their source. The Court stressed that witnesses who give false evidence undermine a fair trial.
- Principle
- Courts can punish a witness who deliberately subverts the trial by false and shifting testimony.
Facts
- Zahira Sheikh, a key witness in the Best Bakery case from the 2002 Gujarat riots, repeatedly changed her testimony. After the 2004 decision ordering a retrial, the Court held an inquiry into her conduct.
Issue
- Whether she was guilty of contempt of court for her shifting stands.
Held
- She was held guilty of contempt and sentenced to one year's simple imprisonment and costs of Rs 50,000; her assets were attached and the income-tax authorities directed to inquire into their source. The Court stressed that witnesses who give false evidence undermine a fair trial.
Cite this
Citation
Zahira Habibullah Sheikh v State of Gujarat decided 2006-03-08 (reporter citation not confirmed)Reported: https://api.sci.gov.in/jonew/judis/27561.pdf ; https://indiankanoon.org/doc/1067991/. This is an educational summary, not the judgment itself. Cite the reported version in professional or academic work.