Eyewitness Consistency is Key in Upholding Murder Convictions," Rules Rajasthan High Court

Court affirms life sentences, emphasizing reliability of eyewitness testimonies and procedural integrity in 1988 murder case -  In a significant ruling, the Rajasthan High Court has upheld the life sentences of Karni Singh and Mahendra (posthumously) in connection with a 1988 murder case. The Division Bench, comprising Justices Pushpendra Singh Bhati and Yogendra Kumar Purohit, affirmed the decisions of the trial court, emphasizing the reliability of eyewitness testimonies and the corroborative recovery evidence. The judgment highlights the judicial commitment to meticulously evaluating the consistency and credibility of witness statements in murder cases.

Eyewitness Testimonies: The court heavily relied on the testimonies of the eyewitnesses, P.W.1 Ran Singh and P.W.6 Rai Singh, whose accounts of the night of October 3, 1988, remained consistent and detailed throughout the trial. Both witnesses recounted how the accused, armed with weapons, attacked the victim, Mange Ram, leading to his death from 24 injuries. Justice Bhati noted, "The statements of P.W.1 and P.W.6 corroborate each other and align with the medical evidence, leaving no room for doubt regarding the events of that night."

Recovery Evidence: The court also underscored the importance of the recovery of weapons used in the crime. The lathi recovered from Karni Singh was a pivotal piece of evidence. Although the FSL report did not find bloodstains on the lathi, the court deemed the recovery process and identification parade critical in linking the accused to the crime. "The procedural integrity of the Test Identification Parade, as conducted under judicial oversight, reinforces the credibility of the prosecution’s case," the bench observed.

Addressing the appellants' arguments regarding the sufficiency of light and the delayed identification parade, the court found these contentions unconvincing. The judgment highlighted that the identification parade conducted in the presence of a Magistrate followed due process and was not unduly delayed. Furthermore, the consistency in the eyewitnesses' ability to identify the accused, despite challenging conditions, strengthened the prosecution’s position.

Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati remarked, "The meticulous adherence to procedural norms in conducting the Test Identification Parade, coupled with consistent and corroborative eyewitness testimonies, forms the bedrock of our decision to uphold the trial court’s conviction."

The Rajasthan High Court’s decision to uphold the life sentences of Karni Singh and Mahendra underscores the judiciary's reliance on consistent and corroborative eyewitness testimonies in murder cases. This ruling serves as a critical precedent, emphasizing the importance of thorough procedural adherence and the reliability of firsthand witness accounts in securing convictions. The judgment reaffirms the legal framework’s commitment to delivering justice by meticulously evaluating evidence, thus ensuring that guilty parties are held accountable.

Date of Decision: May 28, 2024