Objections

Section 96 of the Sashastra Seema Bal Act, 2007 deals with objections. At all trials by a General Force Court or by a Petty Force Court, as soon as the Court is assembled, the names of the presiding officer and members shall be read over to the accused, who shall thereupon be asked whether he objects to being tried by any officer sitting on the Court. The Act came into force on 01 Aug 2009.

(1) At all trials by a General Force Court or by a Petty Force Court, as soon as the Court is assembled, the names of the presiding officer and members shall be read over to the accused, who shall thereupon be asked whether he objects to being tried by any officer sitting on the Court.

(2) If the accused objects to such officer, his objection and also the reply thereto of the officer objected to shall be heard and recorded, and the remaining officers of the Court shall, in the absence of the challenged officer decide on the objection.

(3) If the objection is allowed by one-half or more of the votes of the officers entitled to vote, the objection shall be allowed, and the member objected to shall retire, and his vacancy may be filled in the prescribed manner, by another officer subject to the same right of the accused to object.

(4) When no objection is made, or when an objection has been made and disallowed, or the vacancy of an officer has been filled by another officer under sub-section (3) to which no objection is made or allowed, the Court shall proceed with the trial.

Section 96, The Sashastra Seema Bal Act, 2007 (Act 53 of 2007).