Supreme Court Grants Bail to Police Officer in Custodial Death Case

Apex Court Suspends Life Imprisonment Sentence of S. Ramakrishnan, Citing Conflicts in Witness Testimonies

In a significant decision, the Supreme Court of India has ordered the suspension of the life imprisonment sentence of S. Ramakrishnan, a former police officer, in a custodial death case. The judgment, delivered by a bench comprising Justices J.B. Pardiwala and K.V. Viswanathan, highlights the discrepancies in the witness testimonies that led to Ramakrishnan’s conviction.

The case dates back to 1999 when Vincent, the deceased, was allegedly subjected to brutal assault by police officers at Thalamuthunagar Police Station in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, resulting in his death due to multiple injuries. Ramakrishnan, serving as a police officer at the time, was one of the accused found guilty by the Trial Court in Sessions Case No. 223 of 2006.

The appellant challenged the High Court's refusal to suspend his sentence, arguing that the conviction was substantially based on conflicting testimonies, primarily from PW 2, the wife of the deceased, and other witnesses PW 4 and PW 5. The Supreme Court observed that while conviction can rest on a single eye-witness if deemed wholly reliable, any inconsistencies necessitate corroboration from other material evidence.

Justice Pardiwala, in the order, stated that the oral evidence from PW 4 and PW 5 did not inspire confidence and seemed at odds with the testimony of PW 2. This prima facie observation led the bench to conclude that Ramakrishnan had fair chances of success in his appeal.

The Court emphasized that in cases involving life imprisonment, it is crucial to determine whether there is palpable evidence suggesting potential acquittal upon appeal. Consequently, the Supreme Court set aside the High Court's order, suspending the life sentence and granting bail to Ramakrishnan pending the final disposal of his appeal.

The decision underscores the judiciary's role in ensuring convictions are based on credible and consistent evidence, especially in serious criminal matters involving custodial deaths. The Supreme Court's intervention in this case reflects its commitment to upholding justice and the rights of individuals in the criminal justice system.

Statutory provision(s): Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (erstwhile Section 389 of Cr.P.C.), Section 200 of Cr.P.C., Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, Section 193 of Cr.P.C., Section 401 of Cr.P.C., Article 136 of the Constitution of India

S. Ramakrishnan v. Revenue Divisional Officer, Thoothukudi District,Tamil Nadu, (SC) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2816295