Court Cites Insufficient Evidence and Procedural Lapses; Acquits Accused
In a significant judgment, the Allahabad High Court has overturned the conviction of two individuals previously sentenced for murder and poisoning under Sections 302/34 and 328/34 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The division bench comprising Justices Ajay Bhanot and Divesh Chandra Samant acquitted Gyanmati @ Sangathiya and Ashok Kumar @ Putti Lal, citing the prosecution's failure to establish the case beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case stemmed from allegations that on July 20, 2013, the accused administered poison to the deceased, Jagdish @ Jagdhar, purportedly due to an illicit relationship between Gyanmati and Ashok Kumar. However, the court found multiple deficiencies in the prosecution's case, including a critical delay in lodging the FIR, which was registered two days after the incident.
Key evidence, such as the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) report, was deemed inadmissible as it lacked specific reasons, scientific criteria, and corroborative data. The court further criticized the prosecution for not confronting the post-mortem doctor with the FSL findings, which could have clarified the cause of death.
The judgment also highlighted inconsistencies in the testimonies of key witnesses and questioned the preservation of the viscera sample, which was tested more than a year after collection without evidence of proper storage conditions.
The court's decision reflects broader concerns about procedural lapses within the criminal justice system. It suggested measures to improve investigation and prosecution processes, emphasizing the need for detailed and scientifically backed expert reports, proper sample preservation, and thorough witness examination.
The acquittal of the accused was welcomed by defense counsel, who argued throughout the trial that the evidence presented was insufficient to support the allegations. The court ordered the immediate release of the accused unless required in connection with any other case.
Bottom line:-
The prosecution must prove its case beyond reasonable doubt, and the credibility of witnesses and admissibility of evidence, including FSL reports, must be carefully scrutinized. Delay in lodging FIR and failure to establish the cause of death can be fatal to the prosecution's case.
Statutory provision(s): Indian Penal Code, 1860 Sections 302/34, 328/34; Criminal Procedure Code, 1973 Section 313; Evidence Act, 1872 Section 45, Section 293 Cr.P.C.
Gyanmati @ Sangathiya v. State of U.P., (Allahabad)(DB) : Law Finder Doc id # 2942239
