A court acquitted a man accused of rioting and arson during the 2020 Delhi riots after finding major inconsistencies in the prosecution’s case. It held that relying on the testimony of the lone identifying witness would be unreliable.
Bombay: The Bombay High Court granted bail to a 70-year-old man from Satara, Mohansingh Sitaram Naik, who was accused of being involved in the brutal murder of a young girl. The crime was allegedly committed as part of a human sacrifice ritual to gain wealth and prosperity. The case involved accusations of black magic and conspiracy.
The Supreme Court ruled that witness testimony from relatives cannot be dismissed solely based on familial connections. It emphasized a careful evaluation of such testimonies. The appellant’s conviction was reduced due to evidence showing no premeditation in a heated altercation, leading to his release after serving nearly ten years in prison.
The Gujarat High Court overturned an 85-year-old former court employee’s 7-year jail sentence for misappropriation, ordering a new review. The decision was based on the unfair prioritization of a judge’s testimony over a peon’s, a violation of the Evidence Act. The importance of impartially evaluating all testimonies was emphasized.
