05 April 2024 Acquittal >> Criminal Law   |   Evidence >> Criminal Law  

In a recent judgement, the Supreme Court of India overturned the murder convictions of two appellants, citing unreliable prosecution evidence. The case involved the alleged murder of a man over undelivered idlis.

Facts:

The prosecution claimed that the accused, identified as Appellant 1 and Appellant 2, murdered the deceased after a confrontation over idlis that weren't delivered. The deceased's relatives, including his parents and brother-in-law, served as the sole eyewitnesses to the crime.

Doubt Raised on Witness Testimony:

The court raised critical concerns about the prosecution's case. The only eyewitnesses were all closely related to the deceased, raising questions about their objectivity. Furthermore, the court discovered evidence that the police had coached these witnesses on their testimonies before they took the stand. This act of witness tampering significantly weakened the prosecution's case.

Independent Witnesses Not Called:

The court further noted that the prosecution did not call upon other available eyewitnesses who were independent of the deceased's family. This omission, along with the coached testimonies, cast serious doubt on the prosecution's narrative.

Conclusion:

Given the inconsistencies and lack of credible evidence, the Supreme Court found reasonable doubt about the guilt of the accused. The court ruled in favor of the appellants, acquitting them of the murder charges. The judgement strongly condemned the police misconduct of witness tampering. The Supreme Court ordered the Director General of Police to investigate the officers involved and take appropriate legal action.

Importance of Unbiased Evidence:

This case highlights the vital role of unbiased witness testimonies in securing convictions. The court's decision serves as a reminder that law enforcement agencies must uphold ethical standards and avoid tampering with evidence.