SHANKER versus STATE OF MADHYA PRADESH

SHANKER versus STATE OF MADHYA PRADESH

Material contradictions and discrepancies in evidence of prime prosecution witnesses undermine the prosecution case; guilt was not proved beyond reasonable doubt as required for conviction under s.302 IPC.

Source-derived case information.

Parties
Appellant: Shanker; Respondent: State of Madhya Pradesh
Jurisdiction
India
Judgment Date
18 April 2018
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal / Supreme Court Judgment on Appeal by Special Leave
Outcome
Appeals allowed; conviction and sentence set aside.
Legal Topics
Murder, Evidence, Appreciation of Contradictions
Criminal Law Murder Evidence Appreciation of Contradictions

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Parties

Shanker

Appellant

State of Madhya Pradesh

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Criminal Appeal / Supreme Court Judgment on Appeal by Special Leave

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether contradictions and discrepancies in prosecution evidence are material enough to vitiate conviction under s.302 IPC
  2. 2 Whether appellants Shanker and Suresh's involvement was supported by trustworthy evidence

Ratio Decidendi

Material contradictions and discrepancies in evidence of prime prosecution witnesses undermine the prosecution case; guilt was not proved beyond reasonable doubt as required for conviction under s.302 IPC.

Court Disposition

Appeals allowed; conviction and sentence set aside.

Orders

  • Impugned judgment of High Court set aside.
  • Appellants acquitted of offences under Sections 148 and 302/149 IPC.