Allowed

Dangar Singh and Ors. v. State

Rajasthan HC14 Jul 2015CRLA/857/2006

Case brief

AI extract

What is this about?

This criminal appeal challenged a conviction for murder and grievous injury. The High Court acquited the appellants, ruling that the prosecution failed to explain injuries sustained by Nathi and that witnesses suppressed the incident's true genesis, establishing a complete right of private defence.

What did the court decide?

Appellants acquitted; conviction and sentence set aside; release forthwith on furnishing a bond under Section 437-A Cr.P.C.

Dangar Singh and Ors. Vs State — Murder and Culpable Homicide | Rajasthan HC (2015)

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D.B. Cr.Appeal No. 857/2006

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IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICTURE FOR RAJASTHAN AT JAIPUR BENCH, JAIPUR

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JUDGMENT

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D.B. Criminal Appeal No. 857/2006

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Dangar Singh & Ors. vs. State of Rajasthan

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U/s 374 Cr.P.C. AGAINST THE JUDGMENT DATED 22.07.2006 PASSED BY THE COURT OF ADDL. SESSIONS JUDGE (FAST TRACK) NO.2, DHOLPUR IN SESSIONS CASE NO. 84/2003 AND 50/2004.

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Date of Judgment : 14^th July, 2015

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QUORUM

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HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE KANWALJIT SINGH AHLUWALIA HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE BANWARI LAL SHARMA

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Mr. A.K. Gupta, assisted by Mr. Udit Purohit, for the appellants. Mr. R.K. Mathur, Senior Counsel with Mr. Aditya Mathuar, for the complainant.

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Mr. N.S. Dhakad, Public Prosecutor for the State.

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BY THE COURT (PER Ahluwalia, J.):

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Roop Singh had two sons namely Chironji and Nathi. Nathi was unmarried. Both Chironji and Nathi succeeded equally to the estate (land) of their father Roop Singh. Chironji had two sons namely Bhawani Singh (P.W.1) and Vipati. Three accused appellants to the criminal appeal namely Dangar Singh, Bachchu Singh and Gopal @ Ram Gopal all are sons of Vipati Singh. The land of Chironji fell to equal share of Bhawani Singh and Vipati, father of all the accused appellants. Bone of contention is the land owned by Nathi, unmarried uncle of Bhawani Singh (P.W.1). Nathi was staying with three accused appellants and he had transferred land falling to his share by way of a registered sale-deed to the three accused appellants namely Dangar Singh,

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Bachchu Singh and Gopal @ Ram Gopal to the annoyance of family of complainant Bhawani Singh (P.W.1).

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In the occurrence, Mahendra Singh and Mahaveer Singh both sons of Bhawani Singh (P.W.1) have died. Mahendra Singh was murdered due to gun shot injuries fired at him, whereas Mahaveer died due to injuries caused by incised weapon and fire arm injury.

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The criminal proceedings were set into motion on the basis of written report (Exhibit-P/2) submitted by Pappu @ Devkinandan (P.W.3) s/o Bhawani Singh (P.W.1). In the occurrence, from the side of all the three accused-appellants, namely Dangar Singh, Bachchu Singh and Gopal @ Ram Gopal, their benefactor Nathi had also suffered injuries which included fracture of right shaft of Humerus upper and fracture of 10^th rib. From side of accused, only Nathi Singh was injured. Nonexplanation of the injuries on the person of Nathi grand-uncle of the accused appellants, is the main question raised before us in this appeal by urging that not only the prosecution has suppressed the origin and genesis of the occurrence, but manner of the occurrence and the place of occurrence has also not been truthfully narrated by the complainant party and the witnesses examined by them.

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Dangar Singh, Bachchu Singh and Gopal @ Ram Gopal all the three brothers being sons of Vipati had filed the present appeal to challenge the impugned judgment dated 22.7.2006, whereby the court of Additional Sessions Judge (Fast Track) No.2, Dholpur has held the appellant Dangar Singh guilty of offence under Section 323/34, 325/34, 341, 307 and 302 IPC read with Section 3/25 of Arms Act. The said court also

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convicted Bachchu Singh for the offence under Section 323/34, 325/34, 341, 307/34, 302 IPC and 3/25 of Arms Act, whereas Gopal @ Ram Gopal has been convicted for the offence under Section 323, 325, 341, 307/34 and 302/34 IPC.

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Having convicted the appellants for the aforesaid offences, the trial court vide a separate order of even date sentenced them as under:-

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U/s 323 or 323/34 IPC- to undergo six months R.I. and to pay a fine of Rs.200/-, in default of payment of fine, to further undergo one month S.I.

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U/s 325 or 325/34 IPC- to undergo three year R.I. and to pay a fine of Rs.1,000/-, in default of payment of fine, to further undergo three month S.I.

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U/s 341 IPC- to undergo one month S.I. and to pay a fine of Rs.100/-, in default of payment of fine, to further undergo seven days S.I.

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U/s 307 or 307/34 IPC- to undergo seven year R.I. and to pay a fine of Rs.3,000/-, in default of payment of fine, to further undergo one year S.I.

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U/s 302 or 302/34 IPC- to undergo life imprisonment and to pay a fine of Rs.5,000/-, in default of payment of fine, to further undergo two year S.I.

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U/s 3/25 Arms Act- to undergo one year R.I. and to pay a fine of Rs.5,00/-, in default of payment of fine, to further undergo two month S.I.

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The written report (Exhibit-P/2) was submitted by

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Pappu @ Devkinandan (P.W.3) brother of the two deceased before S.I. Hawa Singh (P.W.20), who was then posted as SHO, Police Station Kolari, District Dholpur. The written report (Exhibit-P/2) when translated into English reads as under:-

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“To

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SHO Saheb

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Police Station Kolari

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Subject: Lodging of the report.

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Sir,

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It is submitted that today on 15.7.2003 at about 3:00 PM, my father was sitting outside his house when our neighbours sons of my Tau (elder brother of father) namely Dangar Singh, Bachchu Singh sons of Vipati and my grand-father Nathi abused us with regard to dispute over the land. Hearing the noise of altercation my brother Mahendra and Mahaveer also came out of the house. We requested them not to abuse my father. Then Nathi exhorted the accused to take out fire arm and then Dangar Singh from 12 bore gun fired from the roof of the house at my brother Mahaveer. The shot hit him in his head, due to which Mahaveer died. Out of fear, we went inside our house. My brother Mahendra went to the roof of the house. Then Dangar Singh fired from his gun. The said shot hit on the neck of my brother Mahendra. Mahendra fell on the roof. Then Bachchu Singh caused injury from 12 bore gun on the chin of Mahendra. Mahendra died on the roof. Gopal with an iron rod and Dangar Singh with a gun caused injuries to my father Bhawani Singh. To save our lives, I, my mother Mahadevi, bhabhi Premwati,

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Meera and Asha concealed ourselves inside the house. The accused wanted to finish us. The accused alongwith weapons stood in front of the house for one hour and thereafter they decamped from the spot alongwith the weapons. The legal action be taken. Dead body of both the brothers are lying at the spot.”

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From the perusal of the above written report (Exhibit-P/2), on the basis of which a formal FIR bearing No.77/2003 was registered, following important facts are discernible:-

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(a) There was an old dispute pending between the parties over the land.

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(b) Nathi had exhorted the accused to take out firearm and fire at the opposite party.

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(c) Dangar Singh had fired from the roof at Mahaveer, who was standing on the ground in front of the house of the complainant, whereas another deceased Mahendra was on the roof and two shots were fired at him, one by Dangar Singh from the roof and another by Bachchu Singh while standing on the ground in front of the house of the complainant.

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(d) In the FIR, there is no mention of any injury caused to Nathi. Even though, it is stated that he came to spot accompanying three appellants and had exhorted them to cause injuries to the complainant party.

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(e) In the present case, the occurrence has taken place on 15.7.2003 at 3:00 PM, the written report was submitted on 15.7.2003 at 5:40 PM, the case was registered at the Police

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Station Kolari at 6:15 PM and the special report had reached the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Dholpur on 16.7.2003 at 11:30 AM.

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We may notice here that Gopal @ Ram Gopal during investigation was summoned by invoking Section 319 Cr.P.C. and on 18.3.2004 cognizance was taken against him.

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Before we take notice of the eyewitnesses account, site plan, which is more relevant and material piece of evidence, first we shall refer to the medical evidence.

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Dr. B.N. Singh Tomar (P.W.11) on 16.7.2003 was posted as Medical Jurisit at General Hospital, Dholpur. He was a member of Medical Board along with Dr. Bhagwat Prasad (P.W.14) and B.M. Mangal. They conducted the autopsy on the dead body of Mahendra Singh on 16.7.2003 at 11:00 AM. In the Post Mortem Report (Exhibit-P/18) following injuries caused by fire arm were found on the person of Mahendra Singh:-

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“(i) Lacerated wound, 8x6cm, over the left mandibular area upto outer angle of left lip on chin with charring. Due to fire arm mouth cavity deep lower mandibular is fractured at mid 3^rd upto posterior part of lower jaw damaging carotid artery and vein at neck and base of skull upward. Larynx and upper part of trachea also damaged.

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(ii) Lacerated wound 10x6cm, over the superiolateral aspect of left shoulder muscles deep with charring seen around the wound.

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(iii) Charring is also noted on left hip and wound no. one at around it.

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(iv) Bleeding nostrils and ear noted.”

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As per opinion of the Medical Board, the cause of death was injury to brain, ear and head and vein (blood vessels)

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leading to shock and death.

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Dr. B.N. Singh Tomar (P.W.11) being member of Medical Board on 16.7.2003 at 11:40 AM, had also conducted autopsy on the dead body of Mahaveer Singh and as per Post Mortem Report (Exhibit-P/19) following injuries were found on the person of Mahaveer Singh:-

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“(i) Incised wound of 18x12cm, 3cm at posterior on 4cm at anterior left fronto parietal area extending from medial of left eyebrow to upward to left and posterior upto left parietal area cranial cavity deep.

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(ii) Incised wound of 13x4cm, over the fronto parietal upto the left ear cavity deep. Extending from anteromid of frontal bone of left side upto left ear.

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(iii) Semilunar wound with charring of margins over the superior part of the frontal bone 2cm left to medial line cranium deep about 1x1cm opening direction toward anterio-lateral towards left. It is due to gun shot.

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(iv) Lacerated wound, 3x1cm, below the lower eye lid of left side.”

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Injury Nos. 1 and 2 have been caused by incised weapon, whereas injurie Nos. 3 and 4 have been caused by fire arm.

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We may notice here that three fire arm injuries on the person of Mahendra Singh are having charring, whereas, injury No.3 on the person of Mahaveer Singh which is a fire arm injury is also accompanied by charring.

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13. In cross-examination, Dr. B.N. Singh Tomar (P.W.11) stated that in the Post Mortem Reports (Exhibit-P/18 and

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Exhibit-P/19) wherever he has mentioned charring, he has not specified whether margins of wounds were inverted or everted.

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Dr. B.N. Singh Tomar (P.W.11) further stated that on 16.7.2003, he had also examined Nathi and as per MedicoLegal Report (Exhibit-D/7) had noted the following injuries on his person as under:-

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“(i) Bruise, 15x18cm, All around and lateral aspect of the shoulder to mid 3^rd of right arm.

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ii) Swelling, 18x28cm, All around and lateral aspect of the shoulder to mid 3^rd of right arm.

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(iii) Abrasion, 12x2½cm oblique upto downward of posterior, over the lower 3^rd of right chest, axillary is 2cm medial.

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(iv) Abrasion, 3x½cm, over the posterior at right elbow.

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(v) Bruise, 4x2cm, over the posterio-lateral at mid 3^rd at left forearm with swelling.

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(vi) Burn injury with peeling of skin, 7x7cm, skin deep, over the lateral part of left lower 3^rd at leg.

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(vii) Burn injury with peeling of skin, 3x1cm, over the medial aspect of the left knee.

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(viii) Burn injury with peeling of skin, 4x1cm, over the anterio-medial of left upper 3^rd of knee, wounded side near knee.

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(ix) Abrasion with Bruise, 10x1½ cm, over the lateral aspect of lower 3^rd of right leg.”

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A perusal of the Injury Report (Exhibit-D/7), reveals that Nathi was examined on 16.7.2003 at 9:00 AM. In Injury Report (Exhibit-D/7) it has been noted that Nathi was got

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admitted by police. This witness has further stated that Nathi was aged about 80 years and he had advised X-ray of Injury Nos. 1, 3, 4 and 5.

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A perusal of the X-ray Report of injuries of Nathi reveals that doctor had advised X-ray of right shoulder and right arm and elbow and as per report of Radiologist, Nathi had suffered fracture of shaft of Humerus upper 1/3rd. Doctor had also advised X-ray of chest and had found fracture of 10^th rib on the right side of chest. Nathi while admitted in the hospital died on 21.7.2003 at 10:10 AM.

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Dr. B.N. Singh Tomar (P.W.11) being member of Medical Board along with Dr. S.K. Garg and Dr. Bhaskar, conducted autopsy and as per Post Mortem Report (ExhibitD/8A), he had noted ten injuries on the person of Nathi. However, as per opinion of the Board, the cause of death was cardiac arrest leading to shock and death. However, in crossexamination, doctor had stated that Nathi had died due to cardiac arrest and injuries suffered by him were not direct cause of death.

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Dr. Bhagwat Prasad (P.W.14) on 15.7.2003, at 7:20 PM, had examined Bhawani Singh (P.W.1) and as per Injury Report (Exhibit-P/20), he had found following injuries on his person:-

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“(i) Lacerated wound with charred skin around wound with multiple small lacerated wound all around the wound, 10cm x 4cm, over the back of chest left scapular region.

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(ii) Swelling deformity, middle third (1/3) of left forearm.

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(iii) Swelling deformity, right forearm lower 1/3.

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(iv) Lacerated wound through and through thickness of right pinna, 3cm x 1cm, anteriorly, 2cm x 1cm posteriorly.

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(v) Abrasion, 3.5cm x 1cm, left leg anterior aspect just below knee.

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(vi) Abrasion and lacerated wound, 1.5cmx1/2 cm, left parieto-occipital region superior aspect.”

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Dr. Mahaveer Prasad (P.W.16) being Radiologist had opined that Bhawani Singh (P.W.1) had suffered fracture of Radius-Ulna of left arm and fracture of Radius of right arm. He had also suffered a linear fracture of left parietal bone and in the chest, multiple radio opaque shadows were noted.

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The prosecution in all had examined twenty-three witnesses. Thereafter, the statement of the accused were recorded under Section 313 Cr.P.C. The prosecution also proved on record documents from Exhibit-P/1 to Exhibit-P/41, whereas in defence, accused proved on record the documents ExhibitD/1 to Exhibit-D/14, which included Injury Report of Nathi, his Post Mortem Report, his two X-ray reports and statement Exhibit-D/11 leading to registration of cross case.

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Out of twenty-three witnesses examined by the prosecution, Bhawani Singh (P.W.1), injured Pappu @ Devkinandan (P.W.3), Ram Swaroop (P.W.4), Meera (P.W.5), Asha (P.W.6) and Premwati (P.W.7) are cited as eyewitnesses.

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Lakhan Singh (P.W.2) and Ghurelal (P.W.8) had attested the inquest (Exhibit-P/8 and Exhibit-P/9). Hotam Singh (P.W.9) had attested memo Exhibit-P/13, whereby empty cartridges were taken into possession. Ravi Katara (P.W.10) had

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attested memo regarding recovery of weapons (Exhibit-P/16 and Exhibit-P/17). Ramveer Singh (P.W.12) had attested memo Exhibit-P/5, whereby blood stained soil and controlled soil were taken into possession. Natthi Lal Sharma (P.W.13) is also witness to the recovery of weapons from the accused. Uma Shankar (P.W.15) had taken articles from the hospital to Malkhana. Jai Prakash (P.W.17) had taken articles to FSL. Constable, Durag Singh (P.W.18) had taken articles from hospital to Malkhana. Head Constable, Ram Khiladi (P.W.19) was incharge of Malkhana. Ghanshyam (P.W.22) being Photographer had taken photographs of the spot. Bhawani Singh Detha (P.W.23) has proved sanction issued by District Magistrate to prosecute Dangar Singh for offence under the Arms Act. Hawa Singh (P.W.20) and Babu Lal (P.W.21) both have investigated the prosecution case and had proved various facets of the investigation.

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Now, we shall revert to the eyewitnesses account.

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Bhawani Singh (P.W.1) in the court had made departure from the FIR. This witness stated that he was sitting alognwith his uncle, Nathi on the cot in front of the door of his house. When Dangar Singh, Bachchu Singh and Gopal @ Ram Gopal came. Dangar Singh was armed with gun. Bachchu Singh was armed with country made pistol and Gopal @ Ram Gopal was armed with iron rod. They gave abuses. Then Dangar Singh and Bachchu Singh said that injuries be caused to them. Then Gopal gave injury with iron rod to him. Dangar Singh went inside the house and caused injuries to Mahaveer Singh. Dangar Singh had caused injuries from the roof of the room to Mahaveer Singh. The said injury hit Mahaveer on the head. Due to shot fired, Mahaveer Singh fell at the spot and died. Mahendra Singh

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went over the roof to see from where the shots have been fired. Dangar Singh fired at him. The said shot hit on his shoulder. Then Bachchu Singh fired another shot, which hit near the ear of Mahendra Singh. Then Dangar Singh, Bachchu Singh and Gopal @ Ram Gopal came downstairs to cause injuries to Mahaveer Singh and Gopal inflicted iron rod blow to Mahaveer, who had already died.

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We may notice here the significant departure from the FIR. In the FIR, Nathi was with the accused. He had exhorted the accused, whereas, in the testimony of Bhawani Singh (P.W.1) Nathi was sitting with him when accused came and fired the shots. In his testimony, Bhawani Singh (P.W.1) also stated that Dangar Singh went to the roof of his house.

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Pappu @ Devkinandan (P.W.3), Ram Swaroop (P.W.4), Meera (P.W.5), Asha (P.W.6) and Premwati (P.W.7) all family members of the complainant party more or less have reiterated the same version. We have placed our trust on the testimony of Bhawani Singh (P.W.1), as he is injured in the occurrence.

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Learned counsel Mr. A.K. Gupta, assisted by Mr. Udit Purohit, appearing for the appellants, has contended that Nathi who was residing with the accused and has given share of his land to the accused was caused injuries in the occurrence. It is contended that when 80 years old grand father and benefactor of the accused was being caused injuries, the accused could not be silent spectators and by not explaining the injuries on the person of Nathi who due to receipt of injuries had died, we should throw the entire prosecution case only on the ground that the complainant party has suppressed the origin

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and genesis of the occurrence. The learned counsel has further contended that the the statement of Nathi (Exhibit-D/11) recorded by Hawa Singh (P.W.20) on 15.7.2003 at 9:40 PM, in the hospital is dying declaration of the deceased Nathi. The learned counsel has drawn our attention to the statement of Hawa Singh (P.W.20), the Investigating Officer, wherein he has stated as under:-

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“ न�थी का भी अ�पताल म� जाना पता चला। म�ने जब तक मुझ पर त�तीश रह� यह पता नह�ं चला �क न�थी को अ�पताल कौन ले गया। म�ने न�थी के बयान� के �लए न�थीलाल ए . एस . आई . को सदर अ�पताल धौलपुर भेजा था। �य��क न�थी के घर पर कोई नह�ं था। म�ने इस मामले म� घटना�थल से लौटकर थाने पर रपट डाल� थी। म�ने इस रपट म� यह बात सह� �लखी थी �क ए . एस . आई . न� थी लाल को वा�ते कराने इलाज म�के मज�ब न�थी �यागी रतनपुरा व लेने बयान ( पचा� ) ज�रए �ाईवेट वाहन रवाना �कया। म�ने रतनुपरा गांव से ह� न�थीलाल को सदर के �लए रवाना कर �दया था। न�थी लाल को म�ने �कतने बजे रवाना �कया समय मुझे �यान नह�ं है। म� रतनपुरा कर�ब साढे पांच पी . एम . पर पहुंच गया था। म� रात के साढे दस बजे तक गांव रतनपुरा म� रहा। म�ने रात साढे दस पी . एम . से पहले न�थीलाल को सदर अ�पताल धौलपुर भेज �दया था।”

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The learned counsel for the appellants has submitted that in the statement of Nathi (Exhibit-D/11) it has been specifically recorded that Mahaveer Singh and Mahendra Singh came and caused him lathi injuries and thereafter, shots were fired.

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We are afraid that we cannot term the statement (Exhibit-D/11) as dying declaration of Nathi. It is true that Nathi has suffered injuries in the occurrence, it is equally true that he

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has suffered two fractures i.e. fracture of 10^th rib and fracture of right upper part of Humerus and had suffered about ten injuries, yet it has been stated by Dr. B.N. Singh Tomar (P.W.11) that the cause of death of Nathi was cardiac arrest and injuries were not direct cause of death. Therefore, the statement (Exhibit-D/11) made by Nathi cannot be termed as dying declaration on the basis of which, FIR leading to cross case was registered and in the present case against the accused, it can be used for a limited purpose.

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Be that as it may, there is no denial of the fact that Nathi had suffered injuries in the occurrence, which included two fractures. At the cost of repetition we may state that injuries included, fracture of 10^th rib on the right side of chest and fracture of Humerus on the right arm.

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It is also true that in the FIR, it has been stated that Nathi came accompanying the accused and he had given exhortation that the injuries be caused to the complainant party by fire arm. We also cannot become oblivious of the fact that in the court the complainant party had made a clever departure from the FIR and had stated that Nathi was sitting with Bhawani Singh (P.W.1) on a cot. We also cannot ignore that Nathi being unmarried to the exclusion of the family of Bhawani Singh (P.W.1) had transferred the land falling to his share through registered sale-deed to the accused. It will be apposite here to notice the following portion in the cross-examination of Bhawani Singh (P.W.1) as under:-

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“ �प�संह के दो लड़के थे िजनके नाम �चर�जी व न�थी ह�। �चर�जी के म� तथा �वपती लडके ह�। ड�गर , ब�चू व गोपाल �वपती के लड़के ह�। न�थी के कोई औलाद नह�ं

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थी। यह बात सह� हे �क �प�संह क� जमीन के दो �ह�से हुए थे िजनम� एक �ह�सा न�थी का और एक �चर�जी का था। �चर�जी के जमीन के दो �ह�से हुए िजनम� एक मेरा और एक �वपती का था। न�थी ने अपने �ह�से क� जमीन क� रिज�� वपती के लड़क� के नाम कर द� थी।”

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Thus, it is apparent that Nathi was staying with the accused and he while living with them had transferred his land to accused. Bhawani Singh (P.W.1) had also admitted that they were demanding share in the land of Nathi. He stated in the court as under:-

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“ यह बात सह� है �क न�थी क� जमीन म� म� और मेरा लड़का �ह�सा मांगते थे �य� �क न�थी मेरा चाचा था। परंतु न�थी ने हम� �ह�सा नह�ं �दया और सार� जमीन �वपती के लड़क� के नाम कर द�। न�थी के नाम 12 बोर क� लाइस�सी बंदूक भी थी। मेरा तथा मुलिजमान के मकान के बीच म� एक ह� द�वाल है। न�थी पहले हमारे शा�मलात रहता था। घटना के समय न�थी मुलिजमान के शा�मल रहता था।”

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Thus, it stands conclusively proved that Nathi was on the side of accused, as he was staying with them and had transferred his land in favour of the accused.

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The prosecution witnesses are totally silent regarding injuries suffered by Nathi. Bhawani Singh (P.W.1) in the court had stated as under:-

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“ इस लड़ाई म� न�थी के कोई चोट नह�ं लगी।”

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Thus, the prosecution witnesses not only have made departure from the FIR wherein it was averred that Nathi had

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raised an exhortation, but they have taken a wrong and false stand by saying that Nathi was sitting on cot with Bhawani Singh (P.W.1) before occurrence had ensued. The complainant party has also taken a false stand that no injury was caused to Nathi in the occurrence. Thus, we accept the contention raised by the learned counsel for the appellants that the prosecution witnesses have suppressed the origin and genesis of the occurrence and thus, they are not truthful in stating as to how the occurrence had erupted. According to us, it is a fit case where right of self defence ought to accrue to the accused.

¶139

In the case of Lakshmi Singh and Others Vs. State of Bihar, reported in (1976) 4 Supreme Court Cases 394, the Hon'ble Apex Court has held as under:-

¶140

“This Court clearly pointed out that where the prosecution fails to explain the injuries on the accused, two results follow: (1) that the evidence of the prosecution witnesses is untrue: and (2) that the injuries probabilise the plea taken by the appellants. The High Court in the present case has not correctly applied the principles laid down by this Court in the decision referred to above. In some of the recent cases, the same principle was laid down. In Puran Singh v. The State of Punjab Criminal Appeal No. 266 of 1971 decided on April 25, 1975 : which was also a murder case, this Court, while following an earlier case, observed as follows:

¶141

In State of Gujarat v. Bai Fatima Criminal Appeal No 67 of 1971 decided on March 19, 1975 : ) one of us (Untwalia, J., speaking for the Court, observed as follows:

¶142

In a situation like this when the prosecution fails to explain the in juries on the person of an accused, depending on the facts of each case, any of the three results may follow:

¶143

(1) That the accused had inflicted the injuries on the members of the prosecution party in exercise of the right of self defence.

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(2) It makes the prosecution version of the occurrence doubtful and the charge against the accused cannot be held to have been proved beyond reasonable doubt.

¶147

(3) It does not affect the prosecution case at all.

¶148

The facts of the present case clearly fall within the four corners of either of the first two principles laid down by this judgment. In the instant case, either the accused were fully justified in causing the death of the deceased and were protected by the right of private defence or that if the prosecution does not explain the injuries on the person of the deceased the entire prosecution case is doubtful and the genesis of the occurrence is shrouded in deep mystery, which is sufficient to demolish the entire prosecution case.

¶149

It seems to us that in a murder case, the nonexplanation of the injuries sustained by the accused at about the time of the occurrence or in the course of altercation is a very important circumstance from which the Court can draw the following inferences:

¶150

(1) That the prosecution has suppressed the genesis and the origin of the occurrence and has thus not presented the true version:

¶151

(2) that the witnesses who have denied the presence of the injuries on the person of the accused are lying on a most material point and therefore their evidence is unreliable;

¶152

(3) that in case there is a defence version which explains the injuries on the person of the accused it is rendered probable so as to throw doubt on the prosecution case.”

¶153

By holding that the witnesses are not truthful and they have suppressed the origin and genesis of the occurrence, we have already held that the accused have complete right of self defence to cause injuries to Bhawani Singh (P.W.1) and to the two deceased namely, Mahaveer Singh and Mahendra Singh.

¶154

We may here notice that in the present case two

¶155

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persons have died. Therefore, it weighed upon us whether we should extend complete right of self defence or hold that the accused party had exceeded their right of self defence.

¶158

Having given our due consideration being conscious that right of self defence cannot weighed in the golden scales, we have extended complete right of self defence to the accused for the following reasons:-

¶159

Examination of site plan (Exhibit-P/3) reveals that the dead body of Mahaveer Singh was lying in the courtyard, whereas Dangar Singh was on the roof. Dangar Singh accused was standing on roof at Point 'M'. The distance between point 'M' and 'X' has been noted in the site plan as ten feet. The dead body of Mahendra Singh was at point 'X2' on the roof and the shot had also been fired at him by Dangar Singh from a distance. In the FIR it is noted that Dangar Singh while standing on the roof had fired the shot at Mahaveer Singh, who was in the street or in the courtyard or in the open portion in front of the house of Bhawani Singh (P.W.1), whereas, another shot was fired by Bachchu Singh standing on the ground at Mahendra Singh, who had come to roof to see from which side shots have been fired.

¶160

In the court also, Bhawani Singh (P.W.1) stated that Dangar Singh having trespassed in the house from the roof had fired at Mahaveer Singh, whereas Bachchu Singh who was standing on the ground had fired at Mahendra Singh on the shoulder, who was standing on the roof. Thus, from the FIR, deposition of Bhawani Singh (P.W.1) and the site plan (ExhibitP/3), it is apparent that as per the ocular version and the site plan, shots were fired from a distance.

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The witnesses may tell a lie but the circumstances will not tell a lie. In the Post Mortem Report, fire arm injuries are accompanied by charring.

¶164

It is an accepted fact that charring occurs when shot is fired from a very close range. In the case of Ujjagar Singh vs. State of Punjab [Appeal (crl.) 1044 of 2006] decided on 13/12/2007, the Hon'ble Supreme Court held as under:-

¶165

The autopsy report shows that #a blackening and charring# existed so far as Injury No.(i) is concerned. The blackening and charring keeping in view the nature of the firearm, which is said to have been used clearly go to show that a shot was fired from a short distance. Blackening or charring is possible when a shot is fired from a distance of about 2 feet to 3 feet. It, therefore, cannot be a case where the death might have been caused by somebody by firing a shot at the deceased from a distance of more than 6 feet.

¶166

Thus, charring around the wounds depict that the shots were fired from a short distance. Thus, the occurrence had taken place in the street and it was a case of hand to hand fight and it cannot be ruled out that when Nathi who had transferred his land to the accused (as stated in Exhibit-D/11) was being beaten by Mahendra Singh and Mahaveer Singh, the deceased, the accused brought the gun and fired the shots from a short distance to save Nathi.

¶167

Thus, taking totality of circumstances, i.e. nonexplanation of injuries on the person of Nathi, suppression of origin and genesis of the occurrence by the prosecution witnesses and not coming to the court with clean hands as to how the occurrence had erupted, by purposely concealing and shifting the place of occurrence and furthermore, by making

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departure qua the role of Nathi as initially given in the FIR, we are of the view that it is not safe to rely on the testimony of witnesses.

¶171

Consequently, for not explaining the injuries on the person of Nathi, who belonged to the side of accused, we shall extend complete right of self defence to the appellants and shall record their acquittal.

¶172

Accordingly, the appeal is accepted. The appellants are acquitted of the charges and their conviction and sentence imposed by the trial court is set aside.

¶173

In view of the acceptance of the appeal, in above terms, we order that the appellants be released forthwith, if in custody and not required in any other case.

¶174

Keeping, however, in view the provisions of Section 437-A of the Code of Criminal Procedure, the appellants are directed to forthwith furnish a personal bond in the sum of Rs. 20,000/- and a surety bond in the like amount, before the trial court. The bonds so furnished shall be effective for a period of six months. The bonds shall contain an undertaking that in the event of filing of Special Leave Petition against the judgment or on grant of leave, the appellants on receipt of notice thereof, shall appear before the Hon'ble Apex Court.

¶175

(BANWARI LAL SHARMA),J (KANWALJIT SINGH AHLUWALIA),J

¶176

Mak/-

¶177

All corrections made in the judgment/order have been incorporated in the judgment/order being emailed.” Anil Makawana P.A.

Dangar Singh and Ors. v. State

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Dangar Singh and Ors. v. State

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