Raghunatha vs The State Of Karnataka
Judges (2)
Case Significance
Raghunatha vs The State Of Karnataka is a Supreme Court of India decision dated March 21, 2024 (citation: insc-2024-238). Two accused were convicted of murder (later modified to Section 304 Part I by the High Court) based on circumstantial evidence of motive, last-seen, and recovery. The Supreme Court acquitted both, finding that the prosecution failed to prove motive (the panchaythdar witness was not examined), the last-seen evidence was unreliable (12-hour gap), and recovery from an open accessible place alone could not sustain conviction. Appeal allowed. The bench comprised Justices B.R. Gavai and Sandeep Mehta. The judgment was delivered by Justice B.R. Gavai.
Summary
Two accused were convicted of murder (later modified to Section 304 Part I by the High Court) based on circumstantial evidence of motive, last-seen, and recovery. The Supreme Court acquitted both, finding that the prosecution failed to prove motive (the panchaythdar witness was not examined), the last-seen evidence was unreliable (12-hour gap), and recovery from an open accessible place alone could not sustain conviction. Appeal allowed.
What was the outcome of Raghunatha vs The State Of Karnataka?
Two accused were convicted of murder (later modified to Section 304 Part I by the High Court) based on circumstantial evidence of motive, last-seen, and recovery. The Supreme Court acquitted both, fin...
Judgment
Read the full judgment on the official India Courts portal.
Read on Indian KanoonSource: Indian Kanoon (insc-2024-238)