[ Court Doc ]   Husband or relative subjecting the women to cruelty >> Criminal Law   |   Murder Homicide >> Criminal Law  

In a twist to a long-running case, India's Supreme Court has overturned a murder conviction against a man accused of killing his wife over 15 years ago. Ravinder Kumar was initially found guilty by lower courts for the murder of his wife Meena, whose body was discovered in their home in 2004.

The prosecution's case hinged on circumstantial evidence, including the discovery of bloodstained clothes allegedly belonging to Ravinder Kumar and a calendar with phone numbers scrawled on it. However, the Supreme Court found these pieces of evidence to be insufficient.

The court pointed out that the recovery of clothes lacked proper legal documentation and could have been tampered with. Additionally, while a calendar listing phone numbers was found at the scene, the court argued it did not conclusively link Ravinder Kumar to the crime.

While Ravinder Kumar is acquitted of murder, the court upheld his conviction for cruelty and dowry death (abetment to suicide). Meena had previously filed a cruelty case against Ravinder Kumar but later withdrew the charges. The court noted this complicated history but determined Ravinder Kumar's guilt for these earlier offenses was established.

The case highlights the challenges of prosecuting crimes based on circumstantial evidence in India. The court emphasized the need for a strong chain of evidence that leaves no room for reasonable doubt about the accused's guilt.

Ravinder Kumar, who has already served over 15 years in prison, has been ordered released. The court waived the fine associated with his remaining convictions due to the extensive time served.

  Indian Penal Code, 1860    Indian Evidence Act, 1872