In Brief
Two co-accused, Ram Laxman and Sanjay, were convicted of murder (IPC §302) and rioting (§149, §148) based on testimony from a sole eyewitness. The High Court acquitted several other co-accused for the identical offences but maintained the appellants' convictions. The Supreme Court found the eyewitness highly unreliable and undependable—he was hostile in a later trial. The Court held that because the witness was disbelieved for the co-accused, he could not be selectively credited for the appellants. Co-accused sharing identical evidence deserve parity of treatment. The appeals were allowed and convictions set aside; the appellants were acquitted of all charges."
The lawyer headnote and full judgment text are available to registered users.