Is it a case of benefit of doubt or certainty?
In a case of section 307 where the victim said one bullet was fired from the front, and he couldn't identify the person who fired at him. The complainant and other independent witnesses turned hostile. The prosecution has failed to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt. Therefore, the accused was acquitted of the charges under section 307 and the Arms Act. In this case, is the benefit of the doubt given, or is it a clear-cut case?
This is a case of the benefit of the doubt because the prosecution failed to prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt. Since the victim could not identify the shooter and key witnesses turned hostile, there was no strong evidence against the accused. In criminal cases, the benefit of the doubt is given when uncertainty remains about the accused’s guilt. Therefore, the court acquitted the accused due to a lack of conclusive proof.
The acquittal reflects the application of the benefit of the doubt, embodied in the principle “in dubio pro reo.” Indian criminal jurisprudence mandates that the prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Here, the victim’s inability to identify the shooter and the hostile turn of key witnesses left the prosecution’s evidence weak, failing to satisfy the burden of proof under Section 307 of the IPC and relevant Arms Act provisions. Therefore, the court rightly relied on reasonable doubt in favor of the accused, rather than finding a clear-cut case. For further assistance, kindly contact us on our helpline number.
In this case, the accused was acquitted because the prosecution failed to prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt. The victim could not identify the shooter, and the witnesses turned hostile. Since the evidence was weak and unclear, the court gave the accused the benefit of the doubt. In criminal cases, if the prosecution does not provide strong proof, the accused cannot be convicted, and they are acquitted. For further legal assistance contact us on our helpline number.
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