2004 (2) TMI 701 - SC - Indian Laws

Prosecution's Case Falls Apart: Accused Appellant Acquitted Due to Evidence Discrepancies and Legal Missteps.

Anter Singh Versus State Of Rajasthan

Anter Singh Versus State Of Rajasthan - 2004 AIR 2865, 2004 (2) SCR 123, 2004 (10) SCC 657, 2004 (2) JT 332, 2004 (2) SCALE 271 Issues Involved:1. Acceptability of evidence relating to recovery.2. Credibility of prosecution version.3. Application of Section 27 of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872.Summary:1. Acceptability of Evidence Relating to Recovery:The appellant was charged with offences u/s 302 IPC, 302 read with Section 34 IPC, and Sections 25(1)(a) and 27 of the Arms Act. The trial court found the appellant guilty, imposing life imprisonment and additional sentences. The High Court affirmed the conviction. The appellant's counsel argued that the case hinged on the acceptability of evidence related to the recovery of a gun based on information given by the accused while in custody. The counsel pointed out that the recovery was from an open space accessible to anyone, questioning the credibility of the evidence.2. Credibility of Prosecution Version:The prosecution's version was that the accused provided information leading to the recovery of a gun, which was sent for forensic examination along with empty cartridges and bullets recovered from the deceased's body. However, several discrepancies were noted: the custody of the empty cartridges was not established, the delay in sending the cartridges for forensic examination was unexplained, and the evidence was silent on the custody of the bullets, cartridges, and pistol. The court found these discrepancies significant enough to question the credibility of the prosecution's version.3. Application of Section 27 of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872:The court examined the scope and ambit of Section 27 of the Evidence Act, which allows for the admissibility of information leading to the discovery of a fact. The court noted that the information must relate distinctly to the fact discovered. In this case, the prosecution failed to establish a direct link between the information provided by the accused and the recovery of the weapon used in the crime. The court highlighted that the evidence did not meet the requirements of Section 27, as the prosecution could not prove that the recovered pistol was the weapon of assault.Conclusion:The Supreme Court found that the prosecution failed to establish the accusations against the accused-appellant beyond reasonable doubt due to several discrepancies and shortcomings in the evidence. Consequently, the appellant was entitled to be acquitted. The appeal was allowed, and the bail bonds were discharged.