In Brief
A forest ranger shot and killed a lorry driver during a confrontation in a forest area. The ranger claimed self-defence, stating the driver and his associates attacked by pelting stones. The High Court had convicted the ranger under Section 304 Part-II IPC (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) and sentenced him to five years rigorous imprisonment. The Supreme Court allowed the appeal and acquitted the ranger completely. The Court found that the prosecution failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt as key eyewitnesses turned hostile. The ranger had reasonable grounds to apprehend death or grievous hurt and was legally justified in exercising his right of self-defence while performing forest protection duties.",
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