The Court overturned a murder conviction, highlighting the importance of consistent and credible witness accounts.
The Supreme Court of India recently acquitted Vinobhai in a murder case (Criminal Appeal No. 1730 of 2017), overturning his conviction by the Trial Court and the High Court of Kerala. The Court’s decision hinged on the unreliability of the two key eyewitnesses presented by the prosecution.
The judgment, delivered by Justices Abhay S. Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan, meticulously analyzed the testimonies of PW-4 and PW-5. The Court found numerous inconsistencies and omissions in their statements, particularly regarding the details of the alleged stabbing and their proximity to the incident. Crucially, details shared in court were absent from their original police statements, casting doubt on their veracity. The Court also noted that other potential eyewitnesses were not called by the prosecution, further weakening their case.
The Court emphasized the principle that disclosure statements alone, without corroborating evidence, are insufficient for a conviction. With the eyewitness testimony deemed unreliable, the prosecution’s case rested solely on the recovery of the alleged murder weapon, which the Court found insufficient to establish guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case serves as a reminder of the critical importance of reliable eyewitness testimony in criminal proceedings and the high standard of proof required for convictions.
Case Details:
Vinobhai versus State of Kerela, 2025 INSC 119
