In Brief
The appellant was convicted of assault and murder after attacking multiple people with a sickle. He claimed he was of unsound mind at the time. The trial court and high court rejected his plea, citing his conduct and demeanor. The Supreme Court allowed his appeal, holding that medical evidence showing he suffered from chronic psychosis, had been hospitalized immediately after the assault, and was prescribed antipsychotic drugs raised sufficient reasonable doubt about his mental state at the time of the offence. The prosecution failed to properly investigate and present evidence of his pre-existing mental illness. The Court acquitted him under Section 84 IPC, directing his release with proper psychiatric care.
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