LAW FOR ALL

MURDER CASE - BENEFIT OF DOUBT =Now, the question is whether the version given by PW3-Meena in the FIR that A1-Anil and A2-Ashok assaulted the deceased is to be accepted or whether the version given by her in the examination-in-chief that A1-Anil, A2-Ashok, A4-Kishor and A5-Shankar assaulted the deceased has to be accepted or whether the version given by her in the cross-examination that A1-Anil and A2-Ashok only dragged the deceased out in the courtyard along with A3-Baba and A3-Baba assaulted the deceased with others is to be accepted. When there is such a great variance in her versions, we find it risky to convict the accused on the basis of such evidence. If her version in the FIR and examination-in-chief is to be accepted, then A5- Shankar could have been convicted with the aid of Section 34 of the IPC. But, he has been acquitted. If the version given in the cross-examination that A1-Anil and A2-Ashok only dragged the deceased out and A3-Baba assaulted the deceased is to be accepted, then, it is necessary to examine whether they shared common intention with A3-Baba to commit murder of the deceased. It is possible that they did share common intention with A3- Baba. It is equally possible that they did not. If A1-Anil and A2-Ashok merely dragged the deceased and they had no intention to kill the deceased, they may be guilty of a lesser offence. It appears that unfortunately, this aspect was not examined properly by learned Sessions Judge because during the pendency of the case, A3-Baba was murdered and could not be tried. At this stage, in the absence of evidence, it is not possible for us to make out a new case. The prosecution case is, therefore, not free from doubt. Undoubtedly, the evidence on record creates a strong suspicion about involvement of A1-Anil and A2-Ashok, but, it is not sufficient to prove their involvement in the offence of murder beyond doubt. It is well settled that suspicion, however strong, cannot take the place of proof. Clear and unimpeachable evidence is necessary to convict a person. - In the result, the appeal is allowed. Impugned judgment and order is quashed and set aside. The appellants Anil s/o. Shamrao Sute and Ashok s/o. Motiram Kudewal are in jail. They are directed to be released from custody forthwith unless they are required in some other case.