• On the aforesaid question Hon’ble Supreme Court in the case of “Bhimanna vs. State of Karnataka” [CRIMINAL APPEAL NO. 46 OF 2005] held that:



    “The issue is no longer res integra and has been considered by the Court time and again.  The accused must always be made aware of the case against them so as to enable them to understand the defence that they can lead. An accused can be convicted for an offence which is minor than the one, he has been charged with, unless the accused satisfies the Court that there has been a failure of justice by the non-framing of a charge under a particular penal provision, and some prejudice has been caused to the accused.



    Further the defect must be so serious that it cannot be covered under Sections 464/465 Cr.PC., which provide that, an order of sentence or conviction shall not be deemed to be invalid only on the ground that no charge was framed, or that there was some irregularity or omission or misjoinder of charges, unless the court comes to the conclusion that there was also, as a consequence, a failure of justice. In determining whether any error, omission or irregularity in framing the charges, has led to a failure of justice, this Court must have regard to whether an objection could have been raised at an earlier stage, during the proceedings or not. While judging the question of prejudice or guilt, the court must bear in mind that every accused has a right to a fair trial, where he is aware of what he is being tried for and where the facts sought to be established against him, are explained to him fairly and clearly, and further, where he is given a full and fair chance to defend himself against the said charge(s)”. [Para 18]