Facts: The appellant challenged a murder conviction where a prosecution witness’s statements were recorded under Section 299 of the CrPC, but the witness could not be produced for trial.

Issue: Can witness statements recorded in the absence of the accused be used as evidence if conditions under Section 299 CrPC are met?

Observation: The Supreme Court ruled that statements recorded under Section 299 CrPC, when the witness could not be produced due to their untraceability, can be used as substantive evidence against the accused once they are arrested. The Court emphasized that such statements are admissible when the witness is not available during trial.