Though the Court observed that the NJA could choose its employment criteria, it sought clarification on the term "fresh" graduates in the notification.
The Court noted that Section 243 (evidence for defence) of the CrPC does not prevent an IO from testifying as a witness for the accused in a cross-case, to promote the truth and aid justice.
On obtaining such affidavit, the investigating officer was directed to produce the same before the medical board, only after which the pregnancy would be terminated, the Court ordered.
The petitioner, who was nine years old when his parents died in a road accident, sought compassionate appointment from the Water Resources Department in 2003.
Notably, former Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan had recently urged the Chief Justice to drop the case against the two students booked in the matter.