In Brief
A man was convicted of murdering his sister, based primarily on her dying declaration, his alleged voluntary confession at the police station, and claims of motive (her illicit relationship). The High Court upheld the conviction. The Supreme Court allowed the appeal and acquitted him. The Court found the dying declaration was tampered with and unreliable—the victim, with 24 severe injuries and dying within 45 minutes, was semi-conscious, yet allegedly gave a detailed one-page statement. Medical evidence established that consciousness does not equate to fitness to make statements. The alleged motive was not proved—the family, including the accused, had long accepted the illicit relationship. The accused's police station appearance appeared fabricated. The prosecution failed to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
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