Bombay High Court Acquits Man in Wife’s Burn Death, Citing Unreliable Dying Declarations
The Bombay High Court has acquitted a 30-year-old man previously sentenced to life imprisonment for the alleged murder of his wife by burning in 2019. The court ruled that the two dying declarations recorded by an executive magistrate and a police head constable were unreliable due to significant variances and the victim's critical medical condition. The victim had sustained 96% burn injuries, was administered sedatives and painkillers, and was described as uncooperative and in severe pain, making a lengthy declaration highly improbable. Justices Nitin B Suryawanshi and Vaishali Patil Jadhav noted that these factors raised serious doubts about the voluntariness and truthfulness of the statements. Consequently, the conviction under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code was overturned, and the accused was ordered released. The case originated from an incident in July 2019, where the prosecution alleged the husband set his wife on fire following domestic harassment. The court also directed the refund of any fines paid by the accused upon the completion of the appeal period, highlighting the legal complexities surrounding evidence in cases involving severe burn victims.
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Bombay High Court Acquits Man in Wife’s Burn Death, Citing Unreliable Dying Declarations
The Bombay High Court has acquitted a 30-year-old man previously sentenced to life imprisonment for the alleged murder of his wife by burning in 2019. The court ruled that the two dying declarations recorded by an executive magistrate and a police head constable were unreliable due to significant variances and the victim's critical medical condition. The victim had sustained 96% burn injuries, was administered sedatives and painkillers, and was described as uncooperative and in severe pain, making a lengthy declaration highly improbable. Justices Nitin B Suryawanshi and Vaishali Patil Jadhav noted that these factors raised serious doubts about the voluntariness and truthfulness of the statements. Consequently, the conviction under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code was overturned, and the accused was ordered released. The case originated from an incident in July 2019, where the prosecution alleged the husband set his wife on fire following domestic harassment. The court also directed the refund of any fines paid by the accused upon the completion of the appeal period, highlighting the legal complexities surrounding evidence in cases involving severe burn victims.
The Indian Express