Legal Provisions Involved: Sections 302, 307, 504 and 34 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860.

Judgement By: Supreme Court of India.

Bench/Judge: Justice Manoj Misra and Justice Joymalya Bagchi

Facts

The case arose from a firing incident during a village function in 2004. After a quarrel earlier in the evening, the accused allegedly returned at night and opened fire, leading to the death of two persons and injuries to several others. Anjani Singh was accused of firing at the crowd. The Trial Court convicted him, and the High Court confirmed his conviction, while acquitting one co-accused.

Key Legal Provisions

Sections 302, 307, 504 and 34 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860

Issues Raised

Whether Anjani Singh’s conviction could stand on the basis of one eyewitness, and whether the prosecution proved the case beyond reasonable doubt.

Arguments of the Case

The prosecution relied mainly on the injured informant’s statement. The defence argued that the witness’s version was inconsistent and not supported by other witnesses or evidence.

Judgement

The Supreme Court acquitted Anjani Singh. It held that the sole eyewitness’s testimony was unreliable and contradicted by other evidence. Since the prosecution failed to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt, the accused was given the benefit of doubt.

Click here to VIEW the full judgement.