Court cites lack of motive and improper evidence handling as key reasons for acquittal.
The Allahabad High Court has acquitted Babu, previously convicted for the murder of his wife and two sons, citing several deficiencies in the prosecution's case. The bench comprising Justices J.J. Munir and Sanjiv Kumar delivered the judgment on July 13, 2026, overturning the decision of the Additional Sessions Judge, Mathura, who had sentenced Babu to life imprisonment in January 2022.
The case against Babu was based entirely on circumstantial evidence. The prosecution alleged that Babu had murdered his family in their Mathura home, but the High Court found the evidence insufficient to conclusively prove his guilt. The court emphasized that for a conviction based on circumstantial evidence, it is imperative to establish a complete chain of evidence that points only to the guilt of the accused, excluding all other hypotheses.
Several critical factors contributed to the acquittal. The court noted the absence of a clear motive, which is generally considered a crucial element in cases relying on circumstantial evidence. Additionally, the court found significant procedural lapses in the handling of incriminating evidence. The recovery of a blood-stained weapon and clothes, supposedly belonging to Babu, did not meet the legal requirements for admissibility under Section 27 of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872. The court observed that the recovery process was flawed due to the absence of independent witnesses, making the evidence unreliable.
Moreover, the testimony of defence witnesses, particularly Babu's brother, supported Babu's claim of being in Delhi at the time of the crime. This alibi was corroborated by a prosecution witness, further weakening the prosecution's case.
Ultimately, the High Court concluded that the prosecution failed to prove Babu's guilt beyond reasonable doubt, leading to his acquittal. The court ordered Babu's immediate release, subject to the execution of a personal bond of Rs. 25,000 under Section 481 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, ensuring his appearance if an appeal against the acquittal is filed.
Bottom Line:
Conviction based solely on circumstantial evidence requires the prosecution to establish a complete chain of circumstances consistent only with the guilt of the accused and excluding every other hypothesis. Failure to follow proper procedures in the recovery of incriminating evidence and the absence of motive weakens the prosecution's case.
Statutory provision(s):
- Indian Penal Code, 1860 Section 302
- Indian Evidence Act, 1872 Section 27
- Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 Section 481
Babu v. State of U.P., (Allahabad)(DB) : Law Finder Doc id # 2940464
