Godakanda vs Attorney-General – sllr 2005 volume 3 page 293

In Godakanda (Appellant/Accused) versus Attorney-General, the court addressed whether a High Court judge possesses the authority to refer a questioned writing to the Examiner of Questioned Documents (EQD) for expert analysis during an ongoing trial, considering concerns about timing and potential prejudice to the accused. It was held that such a referral is within the jurisdiction of the High Court and does not constitute procedural impropriety or unfair prejudice. The principle reaffirmed is that the court may authorize expert examination of documentary evidence at any appropriate stage of proceedings where it aids in ascertaining the truth and administering justice. Reliance was placed on section 73 of the Evidence Ordinance and established precedents, emphasizing that permitting expert