In Brief
In this criminal appeal from 2023, six men convicted by the High Court for grievously assaulting and causing the death of Byregowda challenged their convictions. The original Trial Court had acquitted all 29 accused, but the High Court overturned the acquittals of six. The Supreme Court restored the acquittals, holding that the High Court erred in interfering without compelling reasons. The Court found the dying declaration—the prosecution's main evidence—unreliable because the unnamed police officer who recorded it was never examined and the recording officer was never identified. Eyewitness accounts contained material contradictions on essential facts like the number of assailants. Medical evidence contradicted descriptions of weapons used. Recoveries were from public places, lacking sanctity. The Court emphasized that acquittals enjoy heightened protection and can only be overturned with very cogent reasons.
The lawyer headnote and full judgment text are available to registered users.