In Brief
Two entrepreneurs were charged with culpable homicide under Section 304 Part II IPC after two workers died from electrocution while decorating a shop facade on an iron ladder. The workers allegedly lacked safety equipment. The Trial Court and High Court rejected the appellants' discharge applications. The Supreme Court held that no prima facie case exists because the statutory ingredients of knowledge and intention are absent—mere failure to provide safety gear does not establish that the appellants knew their conduct would likely cause death. The Court discharged the appellants and allowed their appeal, emphasizing that at the discharge stage, courts need only determine if sufficient grounds exist to proceed, and that accidents do not automatically constitute culpable homicide.
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