Supreme Court Restores Acquittal Over Inconsistent Dying Declarations

The Supreme Court on 5 November 2026 acquitted Sau. Kamalbai Waman Patil of murder, restoring the trial court’s benefit-of-doubt finding after inconsistent dying declarations.

Judge / Bench — Ujjal Bhuyan and Atul S. Chandurkar, JJ.; judgment by Atul S. Chandurkar, J.

In Criminal Appeal 118/2018 (2026 INSC 1196), the Court found no corroboration sufficient to sustain the High Court’s reversal of acquittal. It also identified prejudice from conviction on an independent murder accusation never separately charged in this case. Section 106 Evidence Act cannot fill gaps in the prosecution’s initial proof. Patil must be released forthwith unless required in another case.

Advocates appearing — Appellant: Dilip Taur; respondent State: Raman Yadav.