In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court acquitted a man accused of murdering his roommate, highlighting the importance of credible evidence and due process. The case underscores the judicial scrutiny applied to extra-judicial confessions and the necessity for thorough investigation.
Case Background:
The appellant and the deceased were roommates sharing a rented space. A dispute over playing music allegedly escalated into a fatal altercation. The prosecution's case rested on eyewitness testimonies, an extra-judicial confession, and a dying declaration. However, several witnesses turned hostile, and the trial court and High Court still convicted the appellant under Section 302 of the IPC.
Supreme Court's Observations:
A Bench comprising Justice Abhay S. Oka and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan scrutinized the prosecution's reliance on extra-judicial confession. The Court emphasized:
- Human Conduct Rule: Confessions are typically made to individuals in whom the confessor has implicit faith. The appellant had only worked for PW-19 for five months in 2004, making it improbable for him to confess such a serious crime to PW-19.
- Credibility of Testimony: The Court found the prosecution's evidence weak due to the absence of corroborative investigation. Key witnesses, such as the police officer (PSI Mishra), who allegedly witnessed the confession, were not examined. This omission raised serious questions about the reliability of the evidence.
The Supreme Court noted, "A vital prosecution witness has been withheld from the Court. Nothing is placed on record to show that PSI Mishra made any official record to show that he had taken the appellant into custody."
Importance of Thorough Investigation:
The ruling highlighted the necessity for the prosecution to thoroughly investigate and present all relevant evidence to the Court. The failure to examine crucial witnesses and verify the appellant's alleged confessions led to the Supreme Court setting aside the conviction and sentence.
Implications for Legal Professionals:
This judgment serves as a reminder for legal professionals about the critical role of thorough investigation and credible evidence in ensuring a fair trial. The decision reinforces the judiciary's commitment to upholding justice and due process.
Conclusion:
The Supreme Court's decision to acquit the appellant in this case underscores the importance of credible evidence and due process. Legal professionals must ensure that all investigations are comprehensive and all evidence presented in court is scrutinized rigorously to uphold the integrity of the judicial system.
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