196. While it is necessary for the Judge or Magistrate to check random and pointless questioning he should be careful not to frustrate a skilful cross-examination by interposing when the drift of the questions is not immediately apparent and some questions are repeated. Where long and complicated leading questions are put to ignorant witnesses to which only a plain affirmative or negative is required in answer, it is necessary for the Judge or Magistrate to make sure that the witness understands the full implications of the questions and that his answer represents his independent mind. It is generally desirable to record the actual questions and answers in such a case so as not to give a wrong impression that the whole of the statement is in the words of the witness. He should endeavour to follow the line and purpose of the cross-examination closely and should only ask the examiner to explain the relevancy of a line of enquiry when it obviously processes no point or bearing upon the case.
