10 April 2024 Evidence >> Criminal Law   |   Murder Homicide >> Criminal Law  

In a recent judgment, the Supreme Court of India overturned the murder conviction of an appellant (name withheld) citing insufficient circumstantial evidence. The case hinged on the death of the appellant's friend, Sushildhar Dubey, whose body was found on the side of the road.

The prosecution based its case on circumstantial evidence, arguing the appellant was the culprit because he was last seen drinking with the deceased. Additionally, authorities recovered a knife believed to be the murder weapon based on the appellant's information.

However, the court found the evidence unconvincing. The appellant and the deceased were known to drink together frequently, making the "last seen together" detail insignificant. Furthermore, the prosecution failed to establish a motive for the murder.

The legitimacy of the knife's recovery was also brought into question. The court wasn't satisfied that the police found the weapon based on a specific tip from the appellant.

Finally, the defense presented evidence suggesting the deceased's injuries could be attributed to a motorcycle accident. The presence of broken glass fragments near the body supported this theory.

Considering these factors, the court ruled that the circumstantial evidence presented by the prosecution wasn't strong enough to convict the appellant beyond a reasonable doubt. The appellant's conviction was overturned, and he was acquitted of the charges.

Indian Evidence Act, 1872