Case Note & Summary
The case involved the conviction of the appellant for the murder of his wife, Raj Kumari, under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code. The incident occurred on February 14, 1975, when Raj Kumari brought meals to the appellant in the wheat field, after which she went missing. Her body was discovered in a drain two days later, with multiple injuries. The prosecution's case relied heavily on an extra-judicial confession made by the appellant in the presence of several witnesses during a panchayat. The trial court accepted this confession along with circumstantial evidence, leading to the appellant's conviction. The High Court upheld the conviction, dismissing the appellant's appeal, which argued that the confession was not voluntary and lacked corroboration. The Supreme Court found no grounds for interference, affirming that the confession was voluntary and corroborated by credible witnesses. The court noted that the circumstances surrounding the confession and the evidence presented were sufficient to establish the appellant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The appeal was dismissed, and the appellant was ordered to surrender to custody to serve his sentence.
Headnote
A) Criminal Law - Extra-Judicial Confession - Voluntariness - Extra-judicial confession can be relied upon if voluntary and corroborated by other evidence - Indian Penal Code, 1860, Section 302 - The court held that the extra-judicial confession made by the appellant was voluntary and supported by credible witnesses, thus valid for conviction (Paras 1-3).
Issue of Consideration
Whether the extra-judicial confession made by the appellant was voluntary and could be relied upon for conviction.
Final Decision
The Supreme Court dismissed the appeal, affirming the conviction of the appellant under Section 302 IPC, stating that the extra-judicial confession was voluntary and corroborated by credible witnesses.
Law Points
- Evidentiary value of extra-judicial confession
- Circumstantial evidence
- Voluntariness of confession
- Credibility of witnesses
