1. Hesitation
Ex-01: State Witness No.3, when asked about the Charged Officer’s involvement, pauses for 10 seconds before answering: “I... I... think I saw him at the office.” The IA notes this hesitation in the record.
Ex-02: The witness hesitates when asked to confirm the signature on a document, suggesting he may not want to incriminate the Charged Officer.
Ex-03: The witness starts speaking, stops, and then says: “I don’t remember clearly,” indicating possible coaching or fear.
2. Doubts
Ex-01: The witness says: “I think it was 15th May... no, wait, maybe 16th May... I am not very sure.” The IA notes the doubt in the deposition.
Ex-02: When questioned about the amount involved, the witness says: “It might be Rs.5,000 or Rs.10,000... I don't exactly remember.”
Ex-03: The witness expresses doubt: “The signature appears to be his, but it could also be someone else’s. I cannot say with certainty.”
3. Pace of deposition
Ex-01: The witness speaks rapidly when answering questions favorable to the Charged Officer but speaks slowly and deliberately when cross-examined about incriminating evidence.
Ex-02: The witness answers some questions quickly but pauses for long periods before answering questions about the Charged Officer's misconduct.
Ex-03: The witness’s speed of speech varies, suggesting he is comfortable with rehearsed answers but struggles with unanticipated questions.
4. Variations in tone
Ex-01: The witness speaks calmly when describing routine office work but his voice rises and becomes aggressive when questioned about the Charged Officer's integrity.
Ex-02: The witness’s tone is defensive when answering questions about his own role in the incident, but matter-of-fact when describing others’ roles.
Ex-03: The witness speaks in a subdued tone when confirming the Charged Officer’s misconduct but becomes loud and confident when denying any personal involvement.
5. Confidence
Ex-01: Defence Witness No. 1 answers all questions confidently, maintaining consistent eye contact with the IA, indicating a truthful and reliable witness.
Ex-02: The witness loses confidence when the Presenting Officer confronts him with contradictory documentary evidence, and starts stammering.
Ex-03: The witness shows overconfidence and becomes
argumentative with the PO, suggesting a personal interest in the case outcome.
