In Brief
A woman doctor was poisoned with organo-phosphorus pesticide and died. The trial court convicted her husband of murder; the High Court acquitted him, finding the circumstantial evidence inconclusive. The Supreme Court restored the conviction, holding that the evidence met the four-part test for poisoning cases: motive (dowry disputes), death by poison (admitted), possession of poison (purchased 14 days before), and opportunity (alone in the room). The ante-mortem injuries on her face, lips, and neck indicated forcible administration despite her resistance. The accused's delay in seeking hospital care despite being a doctor, combined with the deceased's accusing gesture toward him, proved guilt beyond doubt.
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