If the witness is not brought by a party or brought but not examined but is needed by the court...........

Indian Evidence Act (IEA) 1872 Examination of Witnesses

If the witness is not brought by a party, or brought but not examined, but is needed by the court, for the just and fair disposal of a case, and if the court summons or examines that witness, then such a witness would be termed as a _____ as such a witness would be neither a witness for the prosecution nor for the defence.

Convict witness

Court witness

Decoy witness

Trap witness

Explanation:

- Option 1: Convict witness

- A convict witness is typically someone who has been convicted of a crime and testifies in a case, often for leniency or a plea deal.

- This is not applicable in the context of a neutral party needed for fairness.

- Option 2: Court witness

- Correct Answer

- A court witness is someone whom the court itself calls to testify, outside the traditional roles of prosecution or defense, to ensure a just hearing.

- This witness aids the court in clarifying facts necessary for a fair decision.

- Option 3: Decoy witness

- A decoy witness may imply a person used to mislead or distract from the primary points of a case.

- This is not relevant to a witness called for fairness by the court.

- Option 4: Trap witness

- A trap witness might suggest someone used to catch another party in deceit.

- This term does not align with the intent of ensuring a fair and impartial trial.