Supreme Court Acquits Pooranmal in Rajasthan Murder Case, Cites Lack of Admissible Evidence, Supreme Court emphasizes the need for a complete chain of evidence and mandatory electronic evidence certification.
In a landmark judgment, the Supreme Court of India has acquitted Pooranmal, who was previously convicted by the lower courts for the murder of Aruna, the wife of his co-accused, Ladu Lal. The apex court found that the prosecution failed to establish a complete and coherent chain of incriminating circumstances beyond a reasonable doubt, rendering the earlier conviction unsustainable.
The case, which involved the murder of Aruna in 2010, hinged primarily on circumstantial evidence, including call detail records and forensic evidence. The Supreme Court, after a meticulous review of the evidence and legal provisions, noted significant discrepancies and the absence of a mandatory certificate under Section 65-B of the Indian Evidence Act, which is crucial for the admissibility of electronic evidence like call detail records.
The court highlighted that the recovery of a blood-stained shirt and currency notes purportedly linked to the crime was unreliable. The prosecution's failure to establish a secure chain of custody further weakened the forensic evidence. The court also pointed out that the discrepancy in the amount of currency recovered and the unreliable recovery process cast serious doubt on the evidence presented.
Justice Sandeep Mehta, presiding over the case, emphasized the paramount importance of proving each link in the chain of circumstantial evidence to convict an accused. The court reiterated the legal principles established in previous landmark judgments, asserting that the circumstances must lead exclusively to the conclusion of guilt, excluding any other hypothesis.
The court's ruling underscores the judiciary's commitment to ensuring that convictions are based on solid and admissible evidence. Pooranmal, who had been unable to appeal earlier due to financial constraints, was represented through legal aid. With this acquittal, he will be released from custody, bringing an end to his long-standing ordeal.
Bottom Line:
Conviction based on circumstantial evidence requires a complete and coherent chain of incriminating circumstances pointing unequivocally towards the guilt of the accused. Failure to establish such a chain or lack of admissible evidence renders the conviction unsustainable.
Statutory provision(s): Indian Penal Code Sections 302/34, 201; Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 Sections 103(1)/3(5), 238; Indian Evidence Act, 1872 Section 65B; Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 Section 63; Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 Section 313; Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 Section 351.
Pooranmal v. State of Rajasthan, (SC) : Law Finder Doc id # 2864019
