Devastating Delusion: Father Acquitted in Mistaken Son's Death.
19 February 1952
Acquittal >> Criminal Law | Murder Homicide >> Criminal Law
High Court of Nagpur overturned the murder conviction of Chirangi, a man who tragically killed his son Ghudsai with an axe. The case hinged on Chirangi's claim that he mistook his son for a tiger while they were collecting leaves.
Chirangi's defense centered on a possible delusion caused by a combination of factors. He had sustained injuries from a fall and suffered from pre-existing health conditions, including cataracts. Medical experts testified that these factors, combined with his vision problems, could have triggered a temporary state where he believed Ghudsai to be a dangerous animal.
The court found compelling evidence to support Chirangi's claim of good faith. He demonstrated no prior animosity towards his son, and their relationship was described as close. The case also highlighted Section 79 of the Indian Penal Code, which exempts actions done due to a genuine mistake of fact and a belief that they are lawful.
Precedents were cited where mistaken identity due to a belief in ghosts or evil spirits led to acquittals. The court, in agreement with these rulings, concluded that Chirangi never intended to harm his son. He believed, in a moment of delusion, that he was defending himself from a threat.
The verdict brings a measure of closure to this tragic incident. While nothing can replace the loss of Ghudsai, Chirangi's acquittal acknowledges the possibility of a terrible accident fueled by a lapse in mental clarity.