Who is an Approver?

An approver is an accomplice in a crime who chooses to confess and testify against their co-accused in exchange for a judicial pardon.

This legal mechanism, governed by Sections 306-308 of the CrPC (now Sections 343-345 of the BNSS), is typically used in complex conspiracies where direct evidence is scarce.

To qualify, an accused must make a "full and true disclosure" of the entire crime, including their own role. If the court is satisfied, they transition from a defendant to a prosecution witness.

However, this pardon is conditional, if the approver willfully conceals facts or gives false evidence, the pardon can be forfeited, leading to their prosecution for the original offence.