In Brief
On 1 October 2003, the deceased was assaulted by four respondents with iron pipes, sticks, and rods, suffering fatal injuries. The eyewitness (PW2, the pillion rider) and an independent security guard (PW10) testified they clearly identified the known respondents. The trial court convicted respondents 1–4 under Section 302 IPC. However, the High Court acquitted them, reasoning that the eyewitness evidence contradicted the medical findings regarding injury patterns. The Supreme Court reversed the acquittal, holding that the ocular evidence was credible and consistent with medical evidence (the iron rod had a sharp turned edge capable of causing the observed wounds), and that identification was reliable given the parties' prior acquaintance. Conviction under Section 302 was restored; respondents 1–3 were directed to surrender within two weeks to serve the remainder of their life sentences.
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