Heard learned counsel for the parties.
Challenge in this appeal is to the judgment of a Division Bench of the
Allahabad High Court directing acquittal of the respondent who faced trial for alleged
commission of offence punishable under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860
(in short `the Act'). The learned Sessions Judge, Rampur in S.T. No.30 of 1980
found him guilty and convicted him for offence punishable under Section 302 IPC and
sentenced him to suffer imprisonment for life.
In appeal, the High Court found certain vital discrepancies in the
prosecution version and directed acquittal.
The prosecution version, as unfolded during trial is as follows.
On 04.11.1979 at about 9.30 A.M. when the informant Zahidullah along
with his brother Sajidullah (hereinafter reeferred to as `deceased') and Shakirullah
were returning via triangular crossing at Majar Khurmewali, they were accosted at
that crossing by accused Mutahir Mian, who challenged them by saying “Bahadur Aa
rahe hain”. On this the deceased questioned him. Immediately thereon, he was
stabbed thrice by the accused. His brother Zahidullah, in order to save his brother
from any further assault, attacked the accused with a knife, resulting in several
injuries on the person of accused. Finding the condition of the injured grave, leaving
him in the custody of his brother-in-law Yakub Khan and younger brother
Shakirullah with the instruction to carry him to the hospital, Zahidullah immediately
proceeded to the police station for reporting the matter. The report was got scribed
from Rajendra Prakash Saxena (PW-9) and the same was lodged by him at the police
station Kotwali, Rampur, at about 10.15 A.M. The FIR was marked as Ext.Ka.1.
The chick report is Ext. Ka-3 and copy of the G.D entry was marked as Ext.Ka.4.
The investigation of the case was taken over by S.I. Iqtadar Hussain Rizvi (PW-8).
After completion of the investigation, charge sheet was filed and the
accused faced trial. The Trial Court, as noted above, found the prosecution version to
be cogent and recorded conviction. In appeal, the High Court directed acquittal on
three grounds. Firstly, it was held that the prosecution version that the first
information report was lodged at 10.15 A.M., has not been proved. Secondly, the
memo which was stated to have been received from the Civil Hospital was not
brought on record. It was found that the existence of the FIR at 10.15 A.M. is belied by the fact that after about six hours, the copy of the FIR was reached to the Doctor
who has conducted the post mortem. Apart from that, thirdly, the so called eye-
witnesses were not believable. It was also noticed that serious injuries on the accused
were not explained.
Learned counsel for the appellant – State submitted that the conclusions
of the High Court to direct acquittal are not sustainable. Great emphasis is laid on
the evidence of PW-7, the Head Constable, who is stated to have recorded the
original FIR. According to him, based on the written report Ext.Ka.1, the FIR was
registered in relation to offence punishable under Section 307 IPC. Subsequently, on
receipt of the memo from the hospital, it was altered to Section 302 IPC. It was also
submitted that merely because there was some delay in sending copy of the FIR to
the
Doctor, i.e. for about six hours, that cannot be a ground for acquittal. Finally, it was
submitted that the evidence of the witnesses was clear and cogent.
We find that the High Court has analysed the evidence in great detail to
conclude about the non acceptability of the prosecution version. The conclusions of
the High Court cannot be termed as irrational or perverse. The view expressed by the
High Court is a possible view. The cumulative effect of the infirmities pointed out,
probabilise the defence version.
We find nothing infirm in the conclusions of the High Court to warrant
interference. The appeal fails and is dismissed.
New Delhi, September 25, 2008.