In Harshad Gupta v/s The State of Chhattisgarh., the appellant challenged the High Court's decision dated 13.05.2019, which denied his request for a fresh hearing on his conviction by a new Presiding Officer. The appellant was convicted on 30.04.2015 by the Trial Court under Sections 376(1) and 506 of the IPC for rape and criminal intimidation. However, before the sentencing phase, the appellant, who had been involved in a road accident, requested exemption from personal appearance, which led to several adjournments. In the meantime, the original judge, Mr. J.R. Banjara, was transferred, and a new Presiding Officer, Mr. Mohammad Rizwan Khan, took over.

The Supreme Court upheld the High Court's decision, clarifying that once the conviction was pronounced, it was final under Section 235(1) of the Cr.P.C., and the new Presiding Officer was not obligated to rehear the entire case. The Court also emphasized that the original conviction judgment met the requirements of the Cr.P.C. The appellant's request was dismissed, and the Court directed him to surrender for judicial custody and attend the sentencing hearing.