Pradeep vs State

ik-22838153 Delhi High Court 18 February 2026 • 34 min read

Judges (2)

Madhu Jain Delivered Prathiba M. Singh Coram

Counsel (6)

Baljeet Singh Birla Counsel Appellant Divya Yadav Counsel Respondent Dolly Sharma Counsel Appellant Lalit Luthra Counsel Respondent Manisha Parmar Counsel Appellant Ritesh Kumar Bahri Counsel Respondent

Parties (4)

State Respondent State (NCT) of Delhi Respondent Deepak Appellant Pradeep Appellant

Case Significance

Pradeep vs State is a Delhi High Court decision dated February 18, 2026 (citation: ik-22838153). Two connected criminal appeals were filed by Pradeep and Deepak challenging their conviction by the trial court in a murder case, seeking acquittal and bail during appeal. The Division Bench found significant gaps in the prosecution's circumstantial evidence chain — including lack of reliable identification, inadequate forensic evidence, and failure to establish a complete and unbroken chain of circumstances. The appeals were allowed, the trial court's conviction was set aside, and both appel The bench comprised Justices Madhu Jain and Prathiba M. Singh. The judgment was delivered by Justice Madhu Jain. Counsel appearing: Baljeet Singh Birla (counsel for appellant), Divya Yadav (counsel for respondent), Dolly Sharma (counsel for appellant), Lalit Luthra (counsel for respondent), Manisha Parmar (counsel for appellant), Ritesh Kumar Bahri (counsel for respondent).

Summary

Two connected criminal appeals were filed by Pradeep and Deepak challenging their conviction by the trial court in a murder case, seeking acquittal and bail during appeal. The Division Bench found significant gaps in the prosecution's circumstantial evidence chain — including lack of reliable identification, inadequate forensic evidence, and failure to establish a complete and unbroken chain of circumstances. The appeals were allowed, the trial court's conviction was set aside, and both appellants were acquitted and directed to be released forthwith.

What was the outcome of Pradeep vs State?

Two connected criminal appeals were filed by Pradeep and Deepak challenging their conviction by the trial court in a murder case, seeking acquittal and bail during appeal. The Division Bench found sig...

Judgment

Read the full judgment on the official India Courts portal.

Read on Indian Kanoon

Source: Indian Kanoon (ik-22838153)