In Brief
Imrat Singh and others were convicted by the Sessions Court and High Court for murder and rioting under IPC Sections 148, 302, and 149, relying on two eyewitnesses. The Supreme Court allowed their appeal and acquitted them. The Court found that the two principal witnesses gave parrot-like, identical accounts of the main incident but had significant, material contradictions when examined on attending circumstances—such as the timing of reaching the village, who informed whom about the death, and police procedures. The Court noted crucial witnesses were not examined, the investigation appeared unfair, and the witnesses' credibility could not be sustained. Applying the principle of benefit of doubt, the Court acquitted all accused."
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