Courts Supreme Court
Supreme Court overturns kidnapping conviction due to shoddy investigation
This case involves a criminal appeal by Kondapaka Sridhar (A1) against the State of Telangana, challenging his conviction for kidnapping and murder.
The Supreme Court reviewed the evidence to determine if the conviction was legally sustainable.
Who it concerns: Appellant: Kondapaka Sridhar (also known as Shekar, Madhu, Gopi, Chinna); Respondent: The State of Telangana; Bench: Justice K. Vinod Chandran and Justice J. B. Pardiwala.
What the court decided
- Set aside the order of conviction and sentencing entered against A1 by the High Court.
- Allowed the appeal.
- Directed that A1 be released forthwith if still in custody, provided he is not wanted in any other case.
- Cancelled any bail bonds executed if A1 has already been released.
- Disposed of any pending applications.
Also in the document
- The Court found the investigation to be 'shoddy' and reliant solely on confessions that could not be used to inculpate the accused.
- The Court noted that key electronic evidence, including CCTV footage and call records, was not properly proved due to the absence of certificates under Section 65B of the Indian Evidence Act.
- The Court found no substantive evidence connecting A1 to the apartment where the body was found or to the crime itself, invalidating the reliance on Section 106 of the Evidence Act.
- The judgment was delivered on September 03, 2026.
How this was written
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The original document
Supreme Court of India — orders & judgments
Court order · 5 Sep 2026
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