Precedence of substantive adjudication over procedural technicality

constitutes a foundational canon of Indian procedural jurisprudence governing both civil and criminal litigation. A litigant ought not to be deprived of an opportunity to establish their legal claims merely on account of procedural default or absence of legal representation on an isolated occasion. In criminal complaints arising out of dishonored negotiable instruments, where substantial financial rights and statutory liabilities are at stake, terminating proceedings without evaluating the underlying merits undermines public confidence in the judicial process. Consequently, courts must cultivate a pragmatic and justice-oriented approach that leans toward condoning default and restoring proceedings, subject to imposing appropriate conditions or costs if necessary, rather than foreclosing legal remedies at the threshold. (Yatendra Singh Vs State of U.P. & Another | 2026 INSC 109)