Supreme Court: Guilt Can't Be Presumed From Collusion Allegations Alone

The core issue was whether the prosecution established the guilt of the accused beyond reasonable doubt, given the lack of physical evidence and inconsistencies in witness testimony.

Who it concerns: Petitioners/Appellants: Dhrub Singh and others (five accused); Respondent: The State of Bihar; Bench: Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Justice K. Vinod Chandran.

What the court decided

• The Court acquitted the accused persons.
• The Court directed that the appellants be released forthwith if they are in custody and not required in any other case.
• The Court ordered that any bail bonds previously granted be cancelled.
• The Court allowed the appeals.
• The Court disposed of any pending applications.

Also in the document

• The Court found that the investigation was deficient, noting that the inquest was conducted before the First Information Report (FIR) was recorded.
• The Court observed that no cartridges or weapons were recovered from the scene despite allegations of indiscriminate firing.
• The Court noted that blood-stained earth from the scene was not sent for chemical analysis.
• The Court stated that the expert medical opinion contradicted the eyewitness testimony regarding the position of the victim and the distance of the shooter.
• The Court held that the guilt of the accused cannot be presumed merely because a complaint of collusion was raised against the Investigating Officer.