In Brief
The Supreme Court allowed a criminal appeal challenging the conviction of a mother for the murder of her newborn daughter under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code. The Court found that the prosecution failed to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt. Key factors included: no eyewitnesses to the alleged crime, absence of clear motive (the mother already had a male child), and medical evidence suggesting the infant was in critical condition immediately after birth, requiring incubator and oxygen support. The post-mortem was conducted two days after death, and the mother was under the influence of drugs. The Court held she deserved the benefit of doubt and acquitted her."
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