In Brief
In July 2001, Kripal Singh and three others attacked Yashwant Kumar and two companions on a motorcycle, inflicting multiple injuries with axes and weapons. Yashwant died from his injuries. While the trial court acquitted the three co-accused, it convicted Kripal Singh for murder. The High Court upheld the conviction. Singh appealed, arguing that since the sole eyewitness's account was partially disbelieved regarding the other three attackers, his conviction could not stand. The Supreme Court dismissed the appeal, holding that courts may convict one accused while acquitting co-accused by separating credible evidence specific to each. The eyewitness testimony, medical evidence confirming the attributed injury was lethal, weapon recovery, and motorcycle recovery together proved Singh's guilt beyond reasonable doubt, notwithstanding his co-accused's acquittal.
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