Case Note & Summary
The case involved an appeal against the conviction of several accused for the murder of the deceased, who was the elder brother of some of the accused. The incident occurred on 14.7.1994, when the deceased demanded money from his father, leading to a violent confrontation. The prosecution presented evidence from the deceased's wife, PW.1, who described how the accused tied the deceased and attacked him with a wooden reeper before ultimately strangling him and forcing pesticide into his mouth. The trial court found the accused guilty under Section 302 IPC, and this decision was upheld by the High Court. The Supreme Court, upon reviewing the evidence, found PW.1's testimony credible despite her earlier inconsistent statement made under duress. The court noted that the medical evidence corroborated the witness accounts of the injuries sustained by the deceased. Ultimately, the Supreme Court dismissed the appeal, affirming the life imprisonment sentence imposed on the accused for their heinous crime.
Headnote
A) Criminal Law - Murder - Conviction under Section 302 IPC - Evidence of Witnesses - The court upheld the conviction of the accused for murder based on credible testimonies of the deceased's wife and other witnesses, which were corroborated by medical evidence. The court found no reason to disbelieve the evidence presented, despite initial inconsistencies due to threats faced by the witness. Held that the evidence was sufficient to support the conviction (Paras 6-8).
Issue of Consideration
Whether the evidence of the prosecution witnesses was credible and sufficient to uphold the conviction.
Final Decision
The Supreme Court dismissed the appeal, affirming the conviction and life imprisonment sentence of the accused for the murder of the deceased.
Law Points
- Murder
- Evidence
- Credibility of Witnesses
- Threat and Duress
- Medical Evidence
