Discretionary Scope of Local Inspection Under Section 310 of the Code of Criminal Procedure

sketch of the Bombay High Court
Case
SANJAY VITTHALRAO PANDE v. STATE OF MAHARASHTRA (Bombay High Court, 13-10-2026)
Law
Code of Criminal Procedure, Constitution of India, Indian Penal Code, Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act.

Highlights of the Judgment:

  • Examination of the scope and discretionary nature of Section 310 of the Code of Criminal Procedure regarding local spot inspections.
  • Analysis of whether local inspection under Section 310 can be claimed as a matter of right by an accused or prosecution.
  • Evaluation of the stage of trial and timeliness when considering applications for spot inspection.
  • Principles governing the appreciation of evidence and spot panchanamas without mandatory physical site visits.
  • Limits of High Court interference under Article 226 concerning discretionary interlocutory orders of trial courts.