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BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT
C.V.KARTHIKEYAN, J.SATHYA NARAYANA PRASAD
Sudhakar – Appellant
Versus
State – Respondent
JUDGMENT :
C.V. KARTHIKEYAN, J.
1. The sole accused in S.C.No.172 of 2018 on the file of the Principal Sessions Court at Trichy, aggrieved by the judgment dated 26.09.2019 by which judgment, he had been convicted for offences punishable under Section 302 IPC (2 counts) and under Section 307 IPC (1 count) and sentenced to undergo life imprisonment for each count for offence punishable under Section 302 IPC and to pay a fine of Rs.5,000/- for each count and in default, to undergo three years rigorous imprisonment for each count and also sentenced to undergo seven years rigorous imprisonment for offence punishable under Section 307 IPC (1 count) and to pay a fine of Rs. 2,000 and in default to undergo one year rigorous imprisonment, has filed the present Criminal Appeal.
2. It is the case of the prosecution that the de-facto complainant, Panneer (PW-1), son of Chellammal (D1) and nephew of Amaravathy (D2) had lodged a complaint on 14.04.2013 at around 06.30 pm alleging that at around 05.30 pm on the same day, the appellant/accused, Sudhakar, had indiscriminately attacked and caused the death of his mother, Chellammal (D1) and aunt, Amaravathy (D2) and caused injuries to Sathish @ Sathis
Eyewitness testimony, particularly from injured witnesses, is crucial in establishing guilt, even with minor inconsistencies in their accounts.
When evidence of eye-witnesses are not trust worthy to believe, then motive place an important role to prove guilt of accused.
The prosecution must establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt; inconsistencies and procedural failures in witness accounts can lead to acquittal.
The prosecution must prove the guilt of the accused beyond reasonable doubt. If there is any doubt as to the guilt of the accused, the accused must be acquitted.
The evidence of eye witnesses is of great importance in criminal cases, and their testimony should be carefully evaluated to determine its reliability and consistency.
The main legal point established in the judgment is the reliance on eyewitness accounts and medical evidence to establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt, despite any defects in the investigation.
A conviction for murder can be sustained based on the credible testimony of a single eyewitness, corroborated by medical evidence and circumstantial facts establishing motive.
The prosecution failed to establish a reliable case due to contradictions in witness testimonies and unexplained delays in lodging the FIR, leading to acquittal.
The main legal point established in the judgment is the importance of reliable and convincing evidence in proving the guilt of the accused beyond reasonable doubt.
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