The Supreme Court of India recently acquitted Darshan Singh, who had been previously convicted for the murder of his wife, Amrik Kaur, in 1999. The case, which spanned nearly 25 years, involved allegations of administering poison and had gone through multiple legal proceedings before reaching the apex court.

Darshan Singh's conviction under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code by the Trial Court, a decision later upheld by the High Court, has been overturned by the recent Supreme Court verdict. The court cited significant gaps in the prosecution's evidence as the basis for this decision, focusing on the reliance on circumstantial evidence and pointing out flaws in witness testimonies.

Justice Aravind Kumar, delivering the judgment, emphasized the court's commitment to ensuring that convictions are based on firm, unambiguous evidence that leaves no room for alternative explanations

The primary evidence against Singh came from Melo Kaur (PW-3) and her husband Gurmel Singh (PW-4), suggesting that Singh, along with Rani Kaur, was present at his home on the night of the murder. However, the Supreme Court meticulously analyzed their testimonies and highlighted multiple omissions and inconsistencies, casting doubt on the reliability of the evidence.

One crucial argument presented during the trial centered around the nature of aluminum phosphide, the alleged poison. The defense contended that its pungent smell would make it unlikely to be administered without detection. Additionally, the absence of physical evidence indicating a struggle further weakened the theory of forceful administration of the poison.

The Supreme Court also underscored the absence of an eye-witness account and the prosecution's failure to establish a complete and unbroken chain of circumstantial evidence. The judgment emphasized the importance of maintaining a high standard of proof in criminal cases, particularly those relying on circumstantial evidence.

The acquittal of Darshan Singh serves as a testament to the court's dedication to upholding justice and the principle that any doubt in favor of the accused should arise only from the lack of a solid case against them.

Case: Darshan Singh vs State of Punjab,

CRIMINAL APPEAL NO. 163 of 2010.

Click here to read/download judgment.