In Brief
The Supreme Court upheld the High Court's reversal of a trial court acquittal in a murder case arising from a group clash in Andhra Pradesh. The accused were convicted under Section 302 read with Section 149 IPC for killing two men. The trial court had rejected eyewitness testimony, including that of an injured witness, citing discrepancies and alleged inconsistencies with medical evidence. The Supreme Court held that the trial court's reasoning was perverse. The injured witness's injuries were consistent with his account and admitted facts, medical evidence aligned with ocular evidence regarding weapons used, and minor discrepancies were inconsequential given the chaotic circumstances. Lapses in investigation did not vitiate the evidence when examined independently. The High Court correctly exercised its appellate powers under Section 386 Cr.P.C. to reverse the acquittal and convict the accused."
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