Shyam Premchandani filed a criminal revision under Section 438 of the BNSS, 2023, and Section 397 of the CrPC, 1973, challenging the order dated February 19, 2025, by the Additional Sessions Judge, Dewas. The trial court had closed his right to cross-examine the Investigating Officer (IO) due to the absence of his senior counsel, despite a request for adjournment. Although the associate counsel cross-examined another witness, he sought time for the IO’s cross-examination. The High Court held that a fair trial includes a proper opportunity to defend, particularly by cross-examining key prosecution witnesses. Denial of this right seriously affects the accused’s defence. The court termed the closure of the opportunity on the first instance as unjust and harsh. It set aside the trial court’s order and allowed the petitioner to cross-examine the IO.