SEETA RAM vs State S — 2025 SCMR 2028 SUPREME-COURT

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SEETA RAM VS State S. 302(b)---Criminal Procedure Code (V of 1898), S. 154---Qatl-i-amd---Re-appraisal of evidence---Un-explained delay in registration of FIR---Absence of motive---Delay in dispatching crime empties to Forensic Science Laboratory---Recovery from public place---Benefit of doubt---Accused was convicted by Trial Court for committing qatl-i-amd and was sentenced to death, which was maintained by High Court---Validity---There was no convincing explanation for delay in registration of information as mandated under section 154, Cr.P.C.---Incharge of Police Station had not only received information but several steps in the course of investigation were also taken---Postmortem was conducted and crime scene was also inspected from where incriminating articles were collected---All such steps were done prior to registration of crime report---Story of prosecution was without a motive---Accused was arrested on 24-08-2018 and on 29-08-2018, he had led to recovery of crime weapon from a packet stated to have been buried under bushes near an electric pole---Spent bullets were sent to Forensic Science Laboratory on 28-08-2018 i.e. after the arrest of accused---Supreme Court did not rely on recovery of firearm weapon because the spent bullets were sent to Forensic Science Laboratory after the arrest of accused---No person would conceal the firearm used to allegedly commit the crime at a place frequented by public i.e. next to the wall of Civil Hospital---Supreme Court set aside conviction and sentence awarded to accused and he was acquitted of the charge as prosecution had failed in its obligation to prove guilt of accused beyond reasonable doubt---Appeal was allowed.

SEETA RAM vs State S — 2025 SCMR 2028 SUPREME-COURT

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