Supreme Court Acquits Two in Large-Scale Rioting Case Due to Inconsistent Evidence

07 May 2024 8:19 AM

By: Admin

The Supreme Court has acquitted two accused in a case of large-scale rioting due to inconsistent and unreliable evidence. The accused were facing charges under Section 149 of the Indian Penal Code for their alleged involvement in a rioting incident that resulted in the death of one person and injuries to several others.

The Court observed that the prosecution failed to examine a crucial witness during the investigation and did not produce any explanation for the same. The testimony of the injured witness, upon whom much reliance was placed, was also found to be inconsistent and unreliable. The Court further noted that the lower courts failed to apply their mind to various aspects of the case and, therefore, granted the benefit of doubt to the accused.

The Court, in its verdict, emphasized that the quality of evidence is more important than the quantity of evidence and that the identification of an accused can be established by a single reliable witness. However, in cases of large-scale rioting with multiple offenders and victims, the Court suggested that it is prudent to insist on at least two reliable witnesses to vouchsafe the identification of an accused as a participant in the rioting.

The verdict was delivered by a bench of Justices B. R. Gavai and M. M. Sundresh on January 12, 2023, and the appeals were allowed.

Ranvir Singh etc. etc. vs The State of Madhya