Satya Prakash Tandan v. State of Chhattisgarh
Case brief
What is this about?
Dying declaration as sole basis of conviction under Section 302 IPC; fit state of mind of declarant not certified by treating doctor or medical officer; Executive Magistrate recorded no satisfaction; 87% burn injuries; kerosene; dowry demand; partial disbelief of dying declaration (acquittal under Sections 498-A & 326 IPC) requiring corroboration of accepted part; Section 32(1) Indian Evidence Act, 1872 principles; Godhu v. State of Rajasthan; Irfan @ Naka v. State of U.P.; Purshottam Chopra; Sharad Birdhichand Sarda; Kans Raj; Devinder alias Kala Ram; benefit of doubt; acquittal; Chhattisgarh High Court, Bilaspur; Division Bench; CRA-1009-2019.
What did the court decide?
Criminal appeal allowed; conviction under Section 302 IPC and sentence of life imprisonment with fine and default stipulation set aside; appellants acquitted on benefit of doubt and directed to be released from jail forthwith if not required in any other matter/case.