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2023 Supreme(Raj) 218
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE FOR RAJASTHAN BENCH AT JAIPUR
PANKAJ BHANDARI, BHUWAN GOYAL, JJ.
Nizammudin S/o. Jangbaaz Khan - Appellant
Versus
State of Rajasthan, Through PP - Respondent
D.B. Criminal Appeal No. 380 of 2014
Decided On : 16-02-2023
For the Appellant : Mr. Mayank Choudhary, Ms. Pooja Choudhary.
For the Respondent: Mr. Imran Khan, Dy. GA.
Headnote:(A) Indian Penal Code, 1860 - Sections 302 and 498A - Accusation of murder and abetment of suicide - Dying declaration must inspire confidence of the court; unreliable dying declaration cannot be a basis for conviction - Significant discrepancies noted in testimonies concerning the incident, indicating possibility of suicide rather than homicide; trial court's granting of benefit of doubt upheld. (Paras 8, 10-12)
Facts of the case:
Appellant accused under charges of murder and abetment of suicide. The deceased was found with burn injuries, and her dying declaration contradicted with witness statements, raising doubts on the veracity of claims made.
Findings of Court:
The Court emphasizes that if the dying declaration does not inspire confidence, it cannot warrant conviction, and emphasis on reliability and corroboration is paramount.
Issues: Primary issues involved the credibility of the dying declaration and determining whether it could be the sole basis for convicting the accused.
Ratio Decidendi: The court elucidated that a dying declaration must be recorded under trustworthy conditions, ensuring that it is free from coercion or influence, and highlighted that in the absence of reliable evidence, a conviction cannot stand.
Result: Conviction and sentence set aside; appellant acquitted.
JUDGMENT :
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