Uttarakhand High Court Acquits Two Men in Murder Case Amidst Lapses in Proof

The Uttarakhand High Court has acquitted two men previously sentenced to death for the murder of a woman during a robbery, citing the need to distinguish between 'vague estimates' and 'definite conclusions.' The court emphasized that suspicion should not replace proof in trials and ordered their release.

The Uttarakhand High Court has acquitted two men who were earlier sentenced to death by a lower court for the murder of a woman during a robbery.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice Ritu Bahri and Justice Alok Kumar Verma stated on Tuesday that trials must differentiate between 'vague estimates' and 'definite conclusions.'

The bench emphasized that suspicion, however strong, should never replace proof.

The court ordered the release of Satyesh Kumar alias Sonu and Mukesh Thapliyal, as the witnesses' statements raised serious doubts about their guilt.

"Suspicion, no matter how strong, cannot take the place of proof," the court said.

The ruling highlighted the need to ensure conjecture doesn't replace legal proof before convicting an accused.

"The distance between 'could be' and 'should be' must be kept in mind," the court added.

The case was initially filed in June 2017 by the victim's son, alleging the robbery and murder of Sarojini Devi in Rudraprayag district.

While no eyewitnesses were present, some looted jewellery and money were recovered from the accused.

(With inputs from agencies.)