In Brief
Accused were convicted under Section 436 IPC (mischief by fire) for allegedly setting fire to a thatched shed during a property dispute with family members. The High Court enhanced the sentence on the appellant to six months imprisonment and Rs. 50,000 fine. The Supreme Court allowed the criminal appeal and acquitted the appellant, holding that material contradictions in prosecution witnesses' oral testimony (concerning sounds heard, identification without adequate light, presence/absence of witnesses, and discrepancies with the official mahazar), the absence of independent corroboration, and documentary evidence filed but not considered by the High Court collectively demonstrated failure to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt, constituting a miscarriage of justice.
The lawyer headnote and full judgment text are available to registered users.