JUDGMENT : 1- vihykFkhZ&vfHkqDr }kjk izLrqr vihy fo}ku fopkj.k U;k;ky; vij ls'ku U;k;k/kh'k] NcM+k] ftyk ckjka] jktLFkku }kjk ls'ku izdj.k la[;k 61@2012 muokuh izdj.k jktLFkku jkT; cuke futkeqn~nhu esa ikfjr fu.kZ; ,oa n.Mkns'k fnukad 07-02-2014 ds fo:) izLrqr dh xbZ gS] ftlds }kjk fo}ku fopkj.k U;k;ky; }kjk vihykFkhZ&vfHkqDr dks /kkjk 498, Hkk-n-l- esa nks"keqDr fd;k tkdj ,oa /kkjk 302 Hkk-na-la- esa nks"kfl) fd;k tkdj fuEu izdkj ls nafMr fd;k x;k gS& **vfHk;qDr futkeqn~nhu iq= taxckt] mez 55 lky] fuoklh cMkSjk] Fkkuk eksBiqj] ftyk ckjka] jktLFkku dks /kkjk 302 Hkk-n-l- esa nks"kfl) fd;k tkdj /kkjk 302 Hkk-n-l- esa vkthou dkjkokl ,oa nks gtkj :i;s vFkZn.M vne vnk;xh ,d ekg dk dBksj dkjkokl HkqxsxkA** 2- la{ksi esa izdj.k ds rF; bl izdkj ls gSa fd et:ck 'kchuk iRuh futkeqn~}hu }kjk ,d ipkZ c;ku izn'kZ ih&9, fnukad 05-02-2012 dks 3-50 ih-,e- ij] ,-,l-vkbZ- Jh lqjs'k pUnz dks ,e-ch-ch-,l- gkWLihVy dksVk esa bl vk'k; dk ys[kc) djk;k x;k fd mldk fudkg vkt ls nks o"kZ igys mlds ifjokj okyksa us cMkSjk ds futkeqn~}hu ds lkFk fd;k Fkk] mlds igys ls nks yM+ds gSa] tks Hkh mlds lkFk gh gSaA ijlw ds fnu dh ckr gS] mlus vius iksrk&iksfrksa ls dgk fd rqEgkjs ?kj ij [kkuk [kk;k djks] bl ckr dks ysdj mlds ifr futkeqn~nhu us ekjihV dh Fkh vkSj dgk Fkk fd rq>s rks eSa rykd nwaxk ;k vkx yxkdj ekj nwaxkA vkt lqcg 10 cts djhc] og vkVk yxkdj] lCth dkVdj] NksVs xsl esa [kkuk cukus yxh] fd vkx yx xbZA mlds Åij futkeqn~nhu us rsy Mkyk vkSj vkx yxk nhA mlds ckn mls dkSu dksVk ysdj vk;k tkudkjh ugha gSA blls igys 13&14 lky igys bjQku ds lkFk mldk fudkg gqvk Fkk] mlls nks cPps gq, Fks] bjQku ej x;k FkkA 3- mDr ipkZ c;ku ds vk/kkj ij iqfyl Fkkuk eksBiqj esa varxZr /kkjk&307 Hkk-n-l- esa ,Q-vkbZ-vkj uEcj 22@2012 ntZ dh tkdj 'kchuk dh e`R;q gksus ds i'pkr~ ckn vuqla/kku vfHk;qDr futkeqn~nhu ds fo:) /kkjk 498,] 302 Hkk-n-l- esa vkjksi i= izLrqr fd;k x;k] ftlij v/khuLFk U;k;ky; }kjk izlaKku fy;k tkdj ekeyk ls'ku U;k;ky; }kjk fopkj.kh; gksus ls ls'ku U;k;ky; dks dfeV fd;k x;kA 4- fo}ku fopkj.k U;k;ky; }kjk vihykFkhZ&vfHkqDr dks /kkjk 498,] 302 Hkk-n-l- dk vkjksi fojfpr dj lquk;k o le>k;k x;k rks vfHk;qDr us vkjksi vLohdkj dj vUoh{kk pkgh] ftl ij vfHk;kstu i{k dh vksj ls xokg ih-MCY;w-&1 'kQh eksgEen] ih-MCY;w-&2 jkuw] ih-MCY;w-&3 futcqfu'kk] ih-MCY;w-&4 bZLykeqn~nhu] ih-MCY;w-&5 'kdhy eksgEen] ih-MCY;w-&6 ghjkpUn] ih-MCY;w-&7 MkW- fo'o nhid] ih-MCY;w-&8 izHkwyky] ih-MCY;w-&9 lqjs'k pUnz] ih-MCY;w-&10 MkW- v:.k 'kekZ] ih-MCY;w-&11 MkW- d`"ks.k xks;y] ih-MCY;w-&12 Jhefr lksfu;k csfu;ky] ih-MCY;w-&13 NqV~Vu yky ds c;ku ys[kc) djk, x,A nLrkostkr QnZ lqiqnZxh yk'k izn'kZ ih&1] QnZ iapk;rukek yk'k e`rdk 'kchuk izn'kZ ih&2] c;ku /kkjk 161 n-iz-l- jkuw izn'kZ ih&3] QnZ tCrh ekfpl izn'kZ ih&4] QnZ tCrh jtkbZ izn'kZ ih&5] QnZ tCrh [kkyh ihih izn'kZ ih&6] QnZ tCrh v/ktyh pqUuh izn'kZ ih&7] QnZ QksVksxzkQh ?kVuk LFky izn'kZ ih&8] c;ku /kkjk 161 n-iz-l- futcqfu'kk mQZ utek izn'kZ ih&9] ipkZ c;ku 'kchuk izn'kZ ih&9,] c;ku /kkjk 161 n-iz-l bLykeq}hu izn'kZ ih&10] QnZ uD'kk ekSdk izn'kZ ih&11] eky[kkuk jftLVj dh izfr izn'kZ ih&12] pksV izfrosnu 'kchuk izn'kZ ih&13] izkfIr jlhn fof/k foKku iz;ksx'kkyk izn'kZ ih&14] lh-ts-,e- dksVk dks fy[kk i= izn'kZ ih&15] ,e-vks- ,e-ch-ch-,l- dksVk dks fy[kk i=@e`R;qdkfyd dFku izn'kZ ih&16] iksLVekVZe fjiksVZ izn'kZ ih&17] ,Q-vkbZ-vkj- izn'kZ ih&18] QnZ fxjQ~rkjh eqyfte futkeqn~nhu izn'kZ ih&19] dk;kZy; ftyk iqfyl v/kh{kd] funs'kd fof/k foKku iz;ksx'kkyk dks fy[kk i= izn'kZ ih&20 dks iznf'kZr djk;k x;kA 5- vihykFkhZ&vfHkqDr dks /kkjk 313 n-iz-l- ds rgr ijhf{kr fd;k x;k] ftlij vihykFkhZ&vfHkqDr }kjk vfHk;kstu lk{; dks xyr gksuk crkrs gq, lk{; lQkbZ is'k djus ls bUdkj fd;k] fdUrq nLrkostkr c;ku /kkjk 161 n-iz-l- 'kQh eksgEen izn'kZ Mh-&1] c;ku /kkjk 161 n-iz-l- 'kdhy eksgEen izn'kZ Mh-&2 dks iznf'kZr djok;k x;kA 6- fo}ku fopkj.k U;k;ky; }kjk vfHk;kstu i{k dks lquus ds i'pkr~ vihykFkhZ&vfHkqDr futkeqn~nhu dks /kkjk 302 Hkk-n-l- esa nks"kfl) djrs gq, Åij of.kZr izdkj ls nafMr fd;k x;k] ftlls O;fFkr gksdj ;g vihy izLrqr dh xbZA 7- mHk; i{kksa dh cgl lquh xbZA i=koyh dk voyksdu fd;k x;kA 8- izLrqr ekeys esa U;k;ky; ds le{k izeq[k :i ls fopkj.kh; fcUnw ;g gS fd& 1- vk;k vihykFkhZ&vfHkqDr us fnukad 05-02-2012 dks lqcg 10-00 cts ds yxHkx viuh iRuh 'kchuk ij rsy Mkydj vkx yxkdj mldh gR;k dkfjr dh\ 2- vk;k fopkj.kh; U;k;ky; }kjk ikfjr fu.kZ; 07-02-2014 fof/k fo:) gksus ls vikLr fd;s tkus ;ksX; gS\ 9- izLrqr fopkj.kh; fcUnw ds lanHkZ esa fo}ku vf/koDrk vihykFkhZ&vfHkqDr dk nkSjkus cgl ;g dFku gS fd mls izdj.k esa >wBk Qalk;k x;k gS] mlds }kjk e`rdk 'kchuk ds Åij rsy Mkydj mls ugha tyk;k gS] og oDr ?kVuk ekSds ij ugha Fkk] mls VsyhQksu }kjk lwpuk feyus ij og] ekSds ij vk;k Fkk] ,sls esa mlds fo:) fopkj.kh; fcUnw izekf.kr ugha gksus ij mls nks"keqDr fd;k tkosA mudk ;g Hkh dFku gS fd izdj.k esa vfHk;kstu i{k }kjk oDr ?kVuk vfHk;qDr ds ?kVukLFky ij mifLFkr gksus ds lanHkZ esa dksbZ lk{; izLrqr ugha dh xbZ gS rFkk mldh eksckby yksds'ku dk fjdkWMZ Hkh izLrqr ugha fd;k x;k gS] cfYd Lo;a vuqla/kku vf/kdkjh ih-MCY;w&13 NqV~Vu yky us viuh izfrijh{kk esa ;g Lohdkj fd;k gS fd ;g lgh gS fd xokgku bLykeqn~nhu] futcqfu'kk] jkuw] tqEek [kka] lkxj vyh] fljkt vgen us mldks crk;k Fkk fd ?kVuk ds le; futkeqn~nhu ckjkoQkr ds tqyql esa x;k gqvk Fkk] tgka ls mls Qksu djds cqyok;k Fkk] ftlls Li"V :i ls oDr ?kVuk vihykFkhZ&vfHkqDr dk ekSds ij gksuk izekf.kr ugha gksrk gS] mudk ;g Hkh dFku gS fd vihykFkhZ&vfHkqDr us vius c;ku eqyfte esa Hkh bl lanHkZ esa Li"V :i ls ;g dFku fd;k gS fd oDr ?kVuk og tyls esa Fkk] tks fd mlds ?kj ls rdjhcu ,d&Msढ fdyksehVj nwj Fkk rFkk og bLykeq~nhu }kjk VsyhQksu djus ij ?kj ij vk;k Fkk] ftldh iqf"V ih-MCY;w&4 bLykeqnhu us vius U;k;ky; ds le{k c;kuksa esa dh gS] og funksZ"k gS] mls mDr izdj.k esa >wBk Qalk;k x;k gS] vr% mls izLrqr ekeys esa nks"keqDr fd;k tkosA 10- fo}ku vf/koDrk vihykFkhZ&vfHkqDr dk ;g Hkh dFku gS fd izdj.k esa ipkZ c;ku izn'kZ ih&9, rFkk e`R;qdkfyd dFku izn'kZ ih&16 esa Hkh ?kVuk fnukad ds lanHkZ esa xgjk fojks/kkHkkl gS] D;ksafd ihfM+rk lchuk us izn'kZ ih&9, ipkZ c;ku esa ?kVuk fnukad 05-02-2012 dh gksuk crk;k gS] tcfd mlds }kjk mlds e`R;qdkfyd dFku izn'kZ ih&16 tks fd fnukad 05-02-2012 dks gh fjdkWMZ gqvk gS] mlesa ijlw ds fnu vkx yxkus dh ckr crkbZ gS] ftlls mlds mDr nksuksa c;kuksa esa ?kVuk dh fnukad ds izfr fojks/kkHkkl mRiUu gksus ls mDr nksuksa dFkuksa dh fo'oluh;rk ,oa mlds lkFk fnukad 05-02-2012 dks ?kVuk dkfjr gksuk lansg ls ijs fl) ugha gqvk gS] mudk vkxs ;g Hkh dFku gS fd izn'kZ ih&9, ipkZ c;ku esa e`rdk 'kchuk }kjk ;g dFku fd;k x;k gS fd vkt lqcg nl cts ds djhc dh ckr Fkh og vkVk yxkdj lCth dkVdj NksVs xSl esa [kkuk cukus yxh fd vkx yx xbZ] ftlls mlds [kkuk cukrs gq, vkx yxkus dh ckr izdV gksrh gS] fdarq gLrxr izdj.k esa uD'kk ekSdk izn'kZ ih&11] tks fd vuqla/kku vf/kdkjh }kjk cuk;k x;k gS] mlesa ?kVuk dejs esa gksuk crk;k x;k gS] ftlls Hkh mlds }kjk izLrqr ipkZ c;ku izn'kZ ih&9, esa fd, x, dFkuksa dh fo'ouh;rk lansg ls ijs izekf.kr ugha gksrh gS] mudk ;g Hkh dFku gS fd mDr nksuksa c;ku] e`rdk }kjk vius ifjokjtuksa ds izHkko esa vkdj fn;s gSa] D;ksafd xokg ih-MCY;w-&1 'kQh eksgEen] ih-MCY;w-&5 'kdhy eksgEen us vius c;kuksa esa ;g Lohdkj fd;k gS fd lqjs'k pUn ,-,l-vkbZ- us tc 'kchuk ds c;ku fy;s rks mlds igys mldh o mlds HkkbZ dh 'kchuk ls ckr gks xbZ Fkh] okLro esa mDr dsl vihykFkhZ&vfHkqDr ds fo:) ihfM+rk@e`rdk ds ifjokjtu ds izHkko esa vkdj >wBk cuk;k x;k gS] mudk vkxs ;g Hkh dFku gS fd bl rF; dh iqf"V bl ckr ls Hkh gksrh gS fd xokg ih-MCY;w&5 'kdhy ekSgEen ds ipkZ c;ku izn'kZ ih&9, ds uhps , ls ch gLrk{kj gSa ,oa ftls Lo;a xokg ih-MCY;w&5 'kdhy eksgEEn us vius c;kuksa esa Lohdkj Hkh fd;k gS] ftlls ipkZ c;ku izn'kZ ih&9, fjdkWMZ djrs oDr 'kchuk ds ifjokjtu dk ogka ekStwn gksuk izekf.kr gksus ls mldk c;ku ds le; mlds ifjoktu ds izHkko esa gksuk iw.kZr% izekf.kr gksrk gS] ,sls esa izn'kZ ih&9, dk LosPNk ;k fcuk izHkko ds fn;k tkuk izekf.kr ugha gksus ls mldh fo'ouh;rk lansg ls ijs fl) ugha gksrh gS] ftlls Hkh vihykFkhZ@vfHk;qDr nks"keqDr fd;s tkus ;ksX; gSA 11- fo}ku vf/koDrk vihykFkhZ&vfHkqDr dk ;g Hkh dFku gS fd ekSds ds Lora= xokg ih-MCY;w&2 jkuw] xokg ih-MCY;w&3 futcqfu'kk tks fd ?kVukLFky ij gh fuokl djrh gSa ,oa xokg ih-MCY;w&4 bLykeqnhu tks fd Lora= xokg gSa] os lHkh i{knzksgh ?kksf"kr gq, gaS rFkk mUgksaus vius c;kuksa esa vihykFkhZ&vfHkqDr }kjk 'kchuk dks tykus ckcr dksbZ dFku ugha fd;k] cfYd xokg ih-MCY;w&2 jkuw us vius c;kuksa esa mls 'kchuk }kjk xSl ij [kkuk cukrs le; vkx yxus dh ckr crkuk ,oa bLykeqnhu }kjk Qksu djus ij futkeqn~nhu dk ekSds ij vkus dk dFku fd;k gS] blh izdkj xokg ih-MCY;w&3 futcqfu'kk us 'kchuk ds vkx dSls yxh mls irk ugha gksuk rFkk futkeqn~nhu dk ?kj ij ugha gksus dk dFku fd;k gS rFkk xokg ih-MCY;w&4 bLykeqnhu us Hkh mls 'kchuk }kjk [kkuk cukrs oDr vpkud vkx yxuk crkuk rFkk futkeqn~nhu dk ?kj ij ugha gksus dk dFku fd;k gS] ftlls Hkh Li"V :i ls e`rdk ds [kkuk cukrs oDr Lor% vkx yxuk ,oa vihykFkhZ&vfHkqDr dk ekSds ij ugha gksuk izekf.kr gksrk gSA 12- fo}ku vf/koDrk vihykFkhZ&vfHkqDr dk ;g Hkh dFku gS fd xokg ih-MCY;w&1 'kQh ekSgEen rFkk xokg ih-MCY;w&5 'kdhy ekSgEen p'enhn lk{kh ugha gSa rFkk os e`rdk ds HkkbZ gksus ls fgrc) lk{kh gSa] ,sls esa muds dFku fo'oluh; ugha gSa] vr% vihykFkhZ&vfHkqDr ds fo:) vkjksfir fopkj.kh; fcUnw izekf.kr ugha gksus ls mls lansg dk ykHk nsdj nks"keqDr fd;k tkosA 13- fo}ku vf/koDrk vihykFkhZ&vfHkqDr dk ;g Hkh dFku gS fd izLrqr ekeys esa QnZ tCrh ekfpl] jtkbZ] dsjkslhu dh ihih] vntyh pqUuh vkfn dh dk;Zokgh izekf.kr ugha gqbZ gS] izdj.k esa vfHk;kstu i{k us e`rdk 'kchuk dk esfMdy fjdkWMZ ,oa ch-,p- fVfdV U;k;ky; esa izLrqr ugha fd;k ,oa vfHk;kstu i{k us e`rdk dks ekjus ds ihNs D;k vk'k; Fkk ;g Hkh izekf.kr ugha fd;k gS rFkk uUuh ftlds }kjk loZizFke ?kVuk dh lwpuk 'kQh ekSgEen dks nh xbZ rFkk thi pkyd ftlds }kjk mls bZykt gsrq ys tk;k x;k Fkk] mUgsa Hkh U;k;ky; ds le{k izLrqr ugha fd;k djk;k x;k gS] ftlls Hkh vfHk;kstu dgkuh dMhc) J`a[kyk ugha cu ikbZ gS] ,sls esa vfHk;kstu dgkuh lansg ls ijs fl) ugha gks ikus ls vihykFkhZ&vfHkqDr lansg dk ykHk izkIr djus dk vf/kdkjh gSA 14- fo}ku vf/koDrk vihykFkhZ&vfHkqDr dk ;g Hkh dFku gS fd xokg ih-MCY;w&1 'kQh ekSgEen] xokg ih-MCY;w&5 'kdhy ekSgEen us viuh izfrijh{kk esa ;g Lohdkj fd;k gS fd mUgsa eksckby ls ;gh lwpuk feyh Fkh fd cgu vkx yxkdj ej xbZ gS] ftlls Hkh 'kchuk }kjk Lo;a vkx yxkuk ftlls mldh e`R;q gksuk izdV gksrk gSA ,sls esa vihykFkhZ&vfHkqDr ds fOk:) vkjksfir vijk/k izekf.kr ugha gksus mls nks"keqDr fd;k tkosA vius mDr lHkh dFkuksa ds leFkZu esa vf/koDrk vihykFkhZ&vfHkqDr us fuEufyf[kr U;kf;d n`"Vkar is'k fd, gS%& 1. Shudhar Vs. State of M.P. on 24 July, 2012, Supreme Court of India 2. Dauvaram Nirmalkar Vs. State of Chhattisgarh, Criminal Appeal No 1124/2022 Dated 02 August, 2022 15- blds foijhr nkSjkus cgl fo}ku vfrfjDr egkf/koDrk us dFku fd;k gS fd izLrqr ekeys esa e`rdk 'kchuk us vius e`R;qdkfyd dFku esa ?kVuk dh lEiw.kZ :i ls iqf"V djrs gq, vihykFkhZ&vfHkqDr }kjk mls tykuk dFku fd;k gS rFkk fopkj.k U;k;ky; us vk{ksfir vkns'k i=koyh ij miyC/k leLr lk{; dk lEiw.kZ :i ls foospu djrs gq, ikfjr fd;k x;k gS] ftlesa fdlh izdkj dh dksbZ fof/kd ,oa rkRdkfyd =qfV ugha gS] vr% vihy vihykFkhZ vLohdkj dh tkosA 16- geus i=koyh dk xgurk ls voyksdu fd;k rFkk izLrqr U;kf;d n`"Vkarksa dk voyksdu dj mfpr ekxZn'kZu izkIr fd;kA ekuuh; loksZPPk U;k;ky; ,oa mPp U;k;ky; }kjk izLrqr U;kf;d n`"Vkarks esa fuEu fl)kar izfrikfnr fd, x, gSa%& In Khushal Rao vs. The State Of Bombay [1958] AIR (SC) 22 / [1958] SCR 552 / [1957] Supreme (SC) 100 ds iSjk ua 17 es e`R;qdkfyd dFku ds laca/k esa ekuuh; loksZPPk U;k;ky; us ;g fl)kar izfrikfnr fd;k gS fd %& "(17). Hence, in order to pass the test of reliability, a dying declaration has to be subjected to a very close scrutiny, keeping in view the fact that the statement has been made in the absence of the accused who had no opportunity of testing the veracity of the statement by cross-examination. But once, the Court has come to the conclusion that the dying declaration was the truthful version as to the circumstances of the death and the assailants of the victim, there is no question of further corroboration. If, on the other hand, the Court, after examining the dying declaration in all its aspects, and testing its veracity, has come to the conclusion that it is not reliable by itself, and that it suffers from an infirmity, then without corroboration it cannot form the basis of a conviction. If, on the other hand, the Court, after examining the dying declaration in all its aspects, and testing its veracity, has come to the conclusion that it is not reliable by itself, and that it suffers from an infirmity, then without corroboration it cannot form the basis of a conviction. Thus, the necessity for corroboration arises not from any inherent weakness of a dying declaration as a piece of evidence, as held in some of the reported cases, but from the fact that the Court, in a given case, has come to the conclusion that particular dying declaration was not free from the infirmities, referred to above or from such other infirmities as may be disclosed in evidence in that case." Konda Ashok and others vs The State of Andhra Pradesh. [2014] 1 ALD (Cri) 760 / [2014] Cri.L.J. 4634 / [2014] Supreme (AP) 200 ds iSjk ua 10] 11] 12] 13 o 14 es e`R;qdkfyd dFku ds laca/k esa ekuuh; loksZPPk U;k;ky; us ;g fl)kar izfrikfnr fd;k gS fd %& "10. Two aspects assume significance in this behalf. The first is about timing and the second is about the content. Whenever a person and, in particular, a woman is found to have received burn injuries in the house of her husband or in-laws, the first step that must result is the registration of a crime and the immediate recording of dying declaration either through a Magistrate or by the police official available at the spot. Though the incident occurred on 30.08.2009, the dying declarations Exs.P11 and P14 came to be recorded only on 04.09.2009 i.e., after a gap of six days. In between, number of persons including P.Ws. 5 and 6, the parents of burn injuries in the hands of the accused, at least one of such witnesses would have stated that. There cannot be more proximate person to a woman than her parents. The prosecution did not even suggest that the parents i.e., Pws. 5 and 6 are won over by the accused. 11. The second is about the form of declaration. Recording of dying declaration six days after the incident would have its own impact upon its credibility. There cannot be more proximate person to a woman than her parents. The prosecution did not even suggest that the parents i.e., Pws. 5 and 6 are won over by the accused. 11. The second is about the form of declaration. Recording of dying declaration six days after the incident would have its own impact upon its credibility. It was elicited from PW.14, the Magistrate, that he did not mention in Ex.P11 that he found the persons from whom he was recording the statement, was conscious and that he did not read over the contents of the declaration to that person. Rule 33 of the Criminal Rules of Practice assumes significance in this regard. Sub-Rule (4) thereof mandates that after the statement is recorded, it shall be read over to the declarant and his or her signature must be obtained thereon if possible and it is only when that the Magistrate shall sign the statement. In the cross-examination, this is what PW.14 stated "I did not mention in the D.D that the patient was conscious and coherent. It is true that I did not mention the contents were read over and explained and she understood the contents." 12. With this admission of P.W. 14, the legal acceptability of Ex.P11 suffers a serious dent. 13. Ex.P14 was recorded by the Station House Officer just one hour before Ex.P11 was recorded. Though, in a given case, the declaration recorded by the police official can be taken into account, it would be possible if only the Magistrate was not available immediately and the recording cannot await any longer. By the time Ex.P14 was recorded, requisition was already given to P.W.14. Even otherwise, a perusal of Ex.P14 does not disclose that the precautions that are stipulated under law were taken. 14. It is true that if a declaration, which accords with law, is available, the accused can be convicted based upon it. It is desirable that the declaration must be supported and corroborated by other evidence and if, for any reason, such other evidence is not available, the dying declaration can constitute the basis to convict. However, when the declaration itself does not accord with law, it is not at all safe to rest a conviction upon it. The reason is not too far to seek. However, when the declaration itself does not accord with law, it is not at all safe to rest a conviction upon it. The reason is not too far to seek. The cardinal principle that runs through the entire criminal trial is the availability of the person making the allegation or accusation, for cross-examination. The person from whom the dying declaration is recorded is obviously not available for cross-examination. The law presumes truthfulness on the part of the person who is making the statement, since he or she is virtually at the end of the life. Notwithstanding the sympathies, which the law can exhibit towards a person who lost the life, the liberty of another person cannot be put at stake, unless valid basis exists therefor. It is only when the dying declaration is perfect in all respects and is free from any defect, that it can be treated as the sole basis to convict an accused. Viewed in this context, we find it difficult to sustain the conviction ordered against the accused." State of Gujarat Vs. Jayrajbhai Punjabhai Varu (AIR 2016 Supreme Court 3218) ds iSjk ua 10] 11] 12 o 13 es e`R;qdkfyd dFku ds laca/k esa ekuuh; loksZPPk U;k;ky; us ;g fl)kar izfrikfnr fd;k gS fd %& "(10) The courts below have to be extremely careful when they deal with a dying declaration as the maker thereof is not available for the cross-examination which poses a great difficulty to the accused person. A mechanical approach in relying upon a dying declaration just because it is there is extremely dangerous. The court has to examine a dying declaration scrupulously with a microscopic eye to find out whether the dying declaration is voluntary, truthful, made in a conscious state of mind and without being influenced by the relatives present or by the investigating agency who may be interested in the success of investigation or which may be negligent while recording the dying declaration. In the case on hand, there are two sets of evidence, one is the statement/declaration made before the police officer and the Executive Magistrate and the other is the oral dying declaration made by the deceased before her father who was examined as PW-1. In the case on hand, there are two sets of evidence, one is the statement/declaration made before the police officer and the Executive Magistrate and the other is the oral dying declaration made by the deceased before her father who was examined as PW-1. On a careful scrutiny of the materials on record, it cannot be said that there were contradictions in the statements made before the police officer and the Executive Magistrate as to the role of the respondent herein of the one set of evidence which is more consistent and reliable, which in the present case being one in favour of the respondent herein, requires to be accepted and conviction could not be placed on the sole testimony of PW-1. A number of times the relatives influence the investigating agency and bring about a dying declaration. The dying declarations recorded by the investigating agencies have to be very scrupulously examined and the court must remain alive to all the attendant circumstances at the time when the dying declaration comes into being. In case of more than one dying declaration, the intrinsic contradictions in those dying declarations are extremely important. It cannot be that a dying declaration which supports the prosecution alone can be accepted while the other innocent dying declarations have to be rejected. Such a trend will be extremely dangerous. However, the courts below are fully entitled to act on the dying declarations and make them the basis of conviction, where the dying declarations pass all the above tests. (11) The court has to weigh all the attendant circumstances and come to the independent finding whether the dying declaration was properly recorded and whether it was voluntary and truthful. Once the court is convinced that the dying declaration is so recorded, it may be acted upon and can be made a basis of conviction. The courts must bear in mind that each criminal trial is an individual aspect. It may differ from the other trials in some or the other respect and, therefore, a mechanical approach to the law of dying declaration has to be shunned. The courts must bear in mind that each criminal trial is an individual aspect. It may differ from the other trials in some or the other respect and, therefore, a mechanical approach to the law of dying declaration has to be shunned. (12) On appreciation of evidence on record, we are of the considered view that the dying declarations of the deceased recorded by the police officer as well as the Executive Magistrate are fully corroborated and there is no inconsistency as regards the role of the respondent herein in the commission of offence. From a perusal of the statement recorded by Bhiku Karsanbhai, P.S.O., the thumb impression of Rekhaben (since deceased) which had been identified by her father-Sri Vala Jaskubhai Suragbhai as also his cross-examination in which he admitted that police had already come there and he had identified her thumb impression and Mamlatdar had gone inside to record statement, there is no reason as to why Rekhaben would give names of her husband and her in-laws in the alleged statement given to her father. A dying declaration is entitled to great weight. The conviction basing reliance upon the oral dying declaration made to the father of the deceased is not reliable and such a declaration can be a result of afterthought. This is the reason the Court also insists that the dying declaration should be of such a nature as to inspire full confidence of the Court in its correctness. The Court has to be on guard that the statement of deceased was not as a result of tutoring, prompting or a product of imagination. The Court must be further satisfied that the deceased was in a fit state of mind after a clear opportunity to observe and identify the assailants. Once the Court is satisfied that the declaration was true and voluntary, undoubtedly, it can base its conviction without any further corroboration. It cannot be laid down as an absolute rule of law that the dying declaration cannot form the sole basis of conviction unless it is corroborated. The rule requiring corroboration is merely a rule of prudence. (13) The burden of proof in criminal law is beyond all reasonable doubt. It cannot be laid down as an absolute rule of law that the dying declaration cannot form the sole basis of conviction unless it is corroborated. The rule requiring corroboration is merely a rule of prudence. (13) The burden of proof in criminal law is beyond all reasonable doubt. The prosecution has to prove the guilt of the accused beyond all reasonable doubt and it is also the rule of justice in criminal law that if two views are possible on the evidence adduced in the case, one pointing to the guilt of the accused and the other towards his innocence, the view which is favourable to the accused should be adopted." Purshottam Chopra & Anr. vs. State (Govt. of NCT Delhi) 2020 (1) Supreme 1 / [2020] Supreme (SC) 11 es e`R;qdkfyd dFku ds laca/k esa ekuuh; loksZPPk U;k;ky; us ;g fl)kar izfrikfnr fd;k gS fd %& "21. For what has been noticed hereinabove, some of the principles relating to recording of dying declaration and its admissibility and reliability could be usefully summed up as under:- (i) A dying declaration could be the sole basis of conviction even without corroboration, if it inspires confidence of the Court. (ii) The Court should be satisfied that the declarant was in a fit state of mind at the time of making the statement; and that it was a voluntary statement, which was not the result of tutoring, prompting or imagination. (iii) Where a dying declaration is suspicious or is suffering from any infirmity such as want of fit state of mind of the declarant or of like nature, it should not be acted upon without corroborative evidence. (iv) When the eye-witnesses affirm that the deceased was not in a fit and conscious state to make the statement, the medical opinion cannot prevail. (iv) When the eye-witnesses affirm that the deceased was not in a fit and conscious state to make the statement, the medical opinion cannot prevail. (v) The law does not provide as to who could record dying declaration nor there is any prescribed format or procedure for the same but the person recording dying declaration must be satisfied that the maker is in a fit state of mind and is capable of making the statement (vi) Although presence of a Magistrate is not absolutely necessary for recording of a dying declaration but to ensure authenticity and credibility, it is expected that a Magistrate be requested to record such dying declaration and/or attestation be obtained from other persons present at the time of recording the dying declaration. (vii) As regards a burns case, the percentage and degree of burns would not, by itself, be decisive of the credibility of dying declaration; and the decisive factor would be the quality of evidence about the fit and conscious state of the declarant to make the statement. (viii) If after careful scrutiny, the Court finds the statement placed as dying declaration to be voluntary and also finds it coherent and consistent, there is no legal impediment in recording conviction on its basis even without corroboration. 1999 Supreme Court Cases (Cri.) 352 Pavan Kumar Parasnath Trivari Vs. State of Gujarat ds iSjk ua 8 esa ekuuh; loksZPPk U;k;ky; us ;g fl)kar izfrikfnr fd;k gS fd %& "8. After giving our careful consideration to the facts and circumstances of the case and the submissions made by learned counsel for the parties, it appears to us that there are some disturbing features in this case which require to be carefully considered. It is the specific case of the prosecution, as disclosed in the dying declaration recorded by the learned Magistrate, that she was dragged by the accused inside the house and thereafter threatening to kill her, kerosene was poured on her body and she was set on fire. It has however transpired from the evidence of PW 4 Jilu that there were a number of persons collecting water almost in front of the house of the accused. It has however transpired from the evidence of PW 4 Jilu that there were a number of persons collecting water almost in front of the house of the accused. If the deceased, an able-bodied person was attempted to be forcibly dragged inside the house, it was quite natural that she should shout and raise a voice of protest, more so, when she was taken inside the house and the door was bolted and she was threatened to be killed. There is no evidence that anybody had heard any shout for help. Even when she was set on fire, nobody heard her screams or any appeal for help. When PW 4 being requested by the accused entered the house and was told by the accused that the deceased was burning, even then she did not hear any scream or shout for help. According to the evidence of PW 4, the deceased silently came out from the room and after sitting in the “wada”, she only requested Jilu to bring curd for being applied on her body. Such conduct appears to be quite unusual and does not conform to the case of being forcibly dragged into the house and thereafter being set on fire by pouring kerosene. On the contrary, such a case reasonably justifies a case of committing suicide as contended by the accused. We may also note here that the doctor who held an autopsy has also stated that such burning was also possible if somebody would commit suicide. It may be indicated here that Mr Sushil Kumar, the learned counsel for the appellant has also submitted that both the palms of the deceased were not burnt. Such a fact indicates that she had committed suicide because in that event, the palms were not likely to be affected. In a case of homicidal burning by pouring kerosene on the body by another person, the palms along with the other parts of the body will get burnt. We may also indicate here that the dying declaration of the victim as recorded by the Magistrate runs counter to the deposition of PW 4. Though in her dying declaration, the deceased stated specifically that she shouted for help, Jilu (PW 4) deposed that she did not hear any such shout for help. We may also indicate here that the dying declaration of the victim as recorded by the Magistrate runs counter to the deposition of PW 4. Though in her dying declaration, the deceased stated specifically that she shouted for help, Jilu (PW 4) deposed that she did not hear any such shout for help. It also appears to us that the mother of the deceased, shortly after the incident, reached the place of the occurrence and when Banraj had left the place, she was there. It is not unlikely that at that poiis evidence that the mother had remained with the deceased all the time and when the dying declaration was recorded by the Magistrate, the mother was also present and she also put a thumb impression on the dying declaration. Her conduct in being a party to a fabricated piece of dying declaration recorded by the police constable which was rightly discarded by the courts below cannot be overlooked. In the aforesaid circumstances, in our view, there is justification for the trial court to proceed on the footing that reliance should not be placed on the dying declaration. In the aforesaid facts, the view taken by the trial court for giving the benefit of doubt in favour of the appellant cannot be held to be absolutely without any basis and against the weight of evidence adduced in the case. Hence, in our view, there was no occasion to interfere with the order of acquittal passed in favour of the appellant. We, therefore, allow this appeal and set aside the conviction and sentence passed against the appellant. The appellant is in jail. Hence, in our view, there was no occasion to interfere with the order of acquittal passed in favour of the appellant. We, therefore, allow this appeal and set aside the conviction and sentence passed against the appellant. The appellant is in jail. He should be released forthwith, if he is not wanted in connection with any other criminal case." 17- geus mijksDr izLrqr U;kf;d n`"Vkarksa esa izfrikfnr fl)karksa dk fopkj.kh; fcUnw ds lanHkZ esa ifj'khyu dj i=koyh ij miyC/k lk{; dk lEekuiwoZd voyksdu fd;kA 18- gLrxr izdj.k esa Lora= xokg ih-MCY;w&2 jkuw] xokg ih-MCY;w&3 futcqfu'kk rFkk xokg ih-MCY;w&4 bLykeqnhu tks egRoiw.kZ lk{kh gSa ,oa ftudk vfHk;kstu i{k us loZizFke ?kVukLFky ij igqapuk crk;k x;k gS] os lHkh vfHk;kstu i{k dh izkFkZuk ij i{knzksgh ?kksf"kr gq, gSa ,oa mUgksaus vius&vius c;kuksa esa vfHk;kstu dgkuh dk leFkZu ugha fd;k gSA xokg ih- MCY;w&2 jkuw us vius c;kuksa esa mldk futkeqn~nhu ds edku ls fpYykus dh vkokt lqukbZ nsus ij mldk ogka Hkkxdj tkuk rFkk futkeqn~nhu dh iRuh ds vkx yxh ns[kuk ,oa ml le; ?kj ij dksbZ ugha gksuk] fQj futcqfu'kk rFkk bLykeqnhu dk vkuk] muds }kjk vkx cq>kuk] futkeqn~nhu dh iRuh ls iwNus ij mlds }kjk [kkuk cukrs le; tyuk ,oa fQj bLykeqnhu }kjk futkeqn~nhu dks Qksu djds cqykuk] ekSds ij [kkyh ihih o dsjkslhu utj ugha vkuk] dFku fd, gS ,oa mlds }kjk viuh izfrijh{kk esa Hkh 'kchuk }kjk mls xSl ij [kkuk cukrs le; vkx yxus dh ckr crkuk ,oa futkeqn~nhu dk Qksu ls lwpuk gksus ij vkuk dFku fd;k gSA 19- xokg ih-MCY;w&3 futcqfu'kk us tks fd ?kVukLFky ij gh e`rdk ds lkFk dejs esa fdjk, ij jgrh Fkh mlus Hkh blh izdkj vius c;kuksa esa vkokt lqudj ckgj vkus ij 'kchuk dks tyh ns[kuk rFkk 'kchuk dks vkx dSls yxh mldk irk ugha gksuk dFku djrs gq, viuh izfrijh{kk esa ?kVuk ds le; futkeqn~nhu dk ?kj ij ugha gksuk rFkk mldk ckjkoQkr ds tqyql esa tkuk rFkk 'kchuk dk ,oa mlds }kjk xSl ij [kkuk cukus dk dFku fd;k x;k gSA 20- xokg ih-MCY;w&4 bLykeqnhu us Hkh blh izdkj vius c;kuksa esa 'kchuk ds fpYykus dh vkokt ij mldk ogka tkuk rFkk 'kchuk ds iwNus ij mlds }kjk [kkuk cukrs le; vpkud vkx yxuk crkus ij fQj mlds }kjk eksckby ls Qksu djds futkeqn~nhu dks cqykuk rFkk iqfyl }kjk mlds lkeus ekfpl dh frYYkh] dsjkslhu dh ihih] jtkbZ] v/ktyh pqUuh vkfn tCr ugha djus ds dFku fd, gSA 21- bl izdkj mDr rhuksa xokgku ds dFkuksa ls gh vihykFkhZ&vfHkqDr ds ?kVukLFky ij ?kVuk ds oDr ekStwn ugha gksus dh ckr izekf.kr gksrh gS] ,sls esa mDr rhuksa xokgku ds c;kuksa ls vfHk;kstu dgkuh ,oa fopkj.kh; fcUnw dh iqf"V ugha gks ikrh gS] lkFk gh vfHk;kstu dgkuh dh dM+hc) J`a[kyk ugha cu ikrh gSA 22- gLrxr ekeys esa xokg ih-MCY;w&1 'kQh ekSgEen tks fd e`rdk dk HkkbZ gS] mlds }kjk viuh eq[; ijh{kk esa ;g dFku fd;k x;k gS fd ;g mldks irk ugha fd 'kchuk [kqn tyh ;k vihykFkhZ&vfHkqDr us mls tyk;k] futkeqn~nhu dh cgu ckjka esa jgrh gS] ftlds ikl [kcj vkbZ] futkeqn~nhu dh cgu us crk;k fd rqEgkjh cgu dks tyk fn;k gSA futkeqn~nhu dh cgu us mldh ekek dh yM+dh dks crk;k Fkk] ftlus muds ?kj ij vkdj crk;kA ekew dh yM+dh us cM+ksjk ds fdlh O;fDRk ds uacj crk,] ftlds Qksu yxk;k rks mlus crk;k fd mls dksVk ysdj x, tks tyh gS fQj ge dksVk igqaps] fQj mlus viuh izfrijh{kk esa ;g Lohdkj fd;k fd ;g lgh gS fd mlus iqfyl dks crk;k Fkk fd mldks eksckby ij lwpuk feyh fd mldh cgu vkx yxkdj ty xbZ gS] mlus iqfyl dks c;ku esa crk fn;k Fkk fd futkeqn~nhu dh cgu us mlds ekew dh yM+dh dks crk;k] ftlus muds ?kj vkdj crk;k] ftlls mldk oDr ?kVuk ekSds ij ekStwn ugha gksuk] e`rdk 'kchuk dSls tyh irk ugha gksuk ,oa mls ekew dh yM+dh ls ?kVuk dh lwpuk feyuk] tks mlds }kjk iqfyl dks crkuk izdV gksrk gSA gLrxr izdj.k esa ;g mYys[kuh; gS fd mldh ekew dh yM+dh dks vfHk;kstu i{k us U;k;ky; ds le{k izLrqr dj ijhf{kr ugha djok;kA ,sls esa mlds p'enhn lk{kh uk gksus ls rFkk mlds dFkuksa dh lEiqf"V mlds ekew dh yM+dh ds U;k;ky; esa ijhf{kr uk gksus ls vihykFkhZ&vfHkqDr ds fo:) fopkj.kh; fcUnq] fd vihykFkhZ&vfHkqDr }kjk e`rdk 'kchuk dks dsjkslhu Mkydj tyk;k x;k Fkk] dh ckr ;qfDr;qDr lansg ls ijs fl) ugha gks ikrh gSA 23- xokg ih-MCY;w&5 'kdhy ekSgEen us tks fd e`rd 'kchuk dk HkkbZ gS] mlds }kjk vius c;ku esa ;g dFku fd;k x;k gS fd mUgsa [kcj feyh fd mldh cgu ty xbZ] ftls dksVk ysdj x, gSa] fQj og dksVk igqapsA MkWDVj lkgc ls iwNk rks mUgksaus dgk fd ;g cgqr vf/kd ty pqdh gS] ftlds cpus dh dksbZ mEEkhn ugha gS] ftlls mDRk xokg ds Hkh ?kVuk ds lEcU/k esa p'enhn lk{kh ugha gksus dh ckr izdV gksrh gS] ftlls mlds ?kVuk ds laca/k esa p'enhn lk{kh uk gksus ls] U;k;ky; ds le{k fopkj.kh; fcUnw ;qfDr;qDr lansg ls ijs fl) ugha gks ikrk gS] mDRk xokg us vius c;ku esa ;|fi vkxs mls e`rdk 'kchuk }kjk] futkeqn~nhu }kjk jksVh cukrs le; ml ij dsjkslhu Mkyus dh ckr crkuk dFku fd;k x;k gS] fdarq mlds mDr dFku] fd iqf"V uD'kk ekSdk izn'kZ ih&11 ls ugha gksrh gS] D;ksafd uD'kk ekSdk izn'kZ ih&11 esa ?kVuk fdpu esa uk gksdj dejs esa gksuk vafdr fd;k x;k gS] ftlls jksVh cukrs oDr ?kVuk ?kfVr gksus dh ckr ;qfDr;qDr lansg ls ijs fl) ugha gks ikrh gSA gLrxr izdj.k esa ;g Hkh mYys[kuh; gS fd ih-MCY;w&10 MkW- v:.k 'kekZ us vius c;kuksa esa crk;k fd ihfM+rk 85 ls 95 izfr'kr tyh gqbZ Fkh rFkk Lo;a mDr xokg us vius izfrijh{k.k esa ;g dFku fd;k gS fd ihfM+rk nnZ ls fpYyk jgh Fkh ^^og ty xbZ] og ej xbZ] vYYkkg cpk ys^^] ftlls e`rdk 'kchuk dk vLirky esa HkrhZ ds le; csgn rdyhQ esa gksuk ,oa mlds c;ku nsus dh fLFkfr esa ugha gksuk ,oa Lo;a tyuk izdV gksrk gS] ,sls esa mDr xokg ds dFkuksa ls Hkh vfHk;qDr ds fOk:) fopkj.kh; fcUnw ;qfDr;qDr lansg ls ijs fl) ugha gks ikrk gSA 24- gLrxr izdj.k esa ipkZ c;ku izn'kZ ih&9, rFkk e`R;qdkfyd dFku izn'kZ ih&16 esa e`rdk 'kchuk }kjk mls vihykFkhZ&vfHkqDRk }kjk jksVh cukrs oDr dsjkslhu Mkydj tyk nsus ckcr~ dFku fd;k gS] e`R;qdkfyd dFku ds laca/k esa ekuuh; loksZPp U;k;ky; ,oa mPp U;k;ky; }kjk vius Åij mYysf[kr U;kf;d n`"Vrksa ds ek/;e ls ;g vo/kkfjr fd;k x;k gS fd e`R;qdkfyd dFku dks iz;ksx esa ysrs le; U;k;ky; dks mls cgqr lko/kkuh ls iz;ksx esa ysuk pkfg,] D;ksafd mldks djus okyk izfrijh{kk gsrq miyC/k ugha gksrk gS] lkFk gh mls Lohdkj djus ds laca/k esa U;k;ky; dks eSdsfudy jk; Hkh ugha cukuh pkfg,] U;k;ky; dks ;g ns[kuk pkfg, fd D;k fd;k x;k dFku LoSfPNd gksdj iw.kZ :Ik ls lR; gS ,oa nhekxh larqyu dh gkyr esa fcuk fdlh ls izHkkfor gksdj fn;k x;k gS rFkk og vU; lk{; ls lefFkZr gksdj mls fjdkWMZ djus okys us fof/k }kjk LFkkfir fu;eksa ds vuq:i mls fjdkWMZ fd;k gS\ 25- gLrxr izdj.k esa ;fn ipkZ c;ku izn'kZ ih&9, dk ekuuh; loksZPp U;k;ky; ,oa ekuuh; mPp U;k;ky; }kjk izfrikfnr mDr fl)karksa ds ifjizs{; esa voyksdu djsa rks ipkZ c;ku izn'kZ ih&9, ,-,l-vkbZ- lqjs'k pUnz }kjk cuZ okMZ esa fjdkWMZ djuk crk;k x;k gS rFkk mlds uhps 'kdhy ekSgEen ds gLrk{kj , ls ch gSa] ftlls xokg ih-MCY;w&5 'kdhy ekSgEen] tks fd e`rdk dk HkkbZ gS] mlus vius c;kuksa esa mldk gksuk Lohdkj Hkh fd;k gS] ftlls mDr ipkZ c;ku ,,lvkbZ lqjs'k pUnz }kjk e`rdk ds HkkbZ dh mifLFkfr esa fy;k tkuk izdV gksus ls mldk fo'oluh; gksdj fcuk fdlh ncko ds fn;k tkuk] ;qfDr;qDRk lansg ls ijs fl) ugha gks ikrk gS] lkFk gh gekjh fouez jk; esa mDr ipkZ c;ku esa mYysf[kr dFkuksa dh fo'oluh;rk blfy, Hkh lansgkLin gS] D;ksafd xokg ih-MCY;w&5 'kdhy ekSgEen }kjk viuh izfrijh{kk esa Lohdkj fd;k x;k gS fd ;g lgh gS fd lqjs'k pUnz ,,lvkbZ dks 'kchuk us muds lkeus dksbZ ckr ugha crkbZ] mudk ,e-ch-ch-,l- vLirky igqapus ds ckn esa lqjs'k pUnz ,,lvkbZ igqapk ;k ugha] ;g mls irk ugha] ftlls Li"V :i ls lqjs'k pUnz ,,lvkbZ }kjk xokg 'kdhy ekSgEen dh mifLFkfr esa ;k mlds lkeus e`rdk 'kchuk dk ,e-chch-, l- vLirky esa ipkZ c;ku izn'kZ ih&9, ysus dh ckr ;qfDr;qDr lansg ls ijs fl) ugha gks ikrh gS] ,sls esa vfHk;kstu dgkuh fd e`rdk 'kchuk us mDr ipkZ c;ku xokg ih-MCY;w&5 'kdhy ekSgEen dh mifLFkfr esa ,-,lvkbZ- lqjs'k pUnz dks ys[kc) djk, Fks ;k lqjs'k pUn ,-,l-vkbZ- us xokg 'kdhy eksgEen dh mifLFkfr esa mUgsa fjdkWMZ fd;k Fkk] ;qfDr;qDr lansg ls ijs fl) ugh gks ikrk gS] bl lanHkZ esa ;g Hkh mYys[kuh; gS fd mDr ipkZ c;ku esa mYysf[kr rF;ksa dh fo'oluh;rk blfy, Hkh lansgkLin izrhr gksrh gS fd mDr ipkZ c;ku esa e`rdk 'kchuk us ?kVuk fdpu esa dke djrs oDr gksuk crk;k gS] tcfd uD'kk ekSdk izn'kZ ih&11 esa vuqla/kku vf/kdkjh us ?kVuk dejs esa gksuk vafdr fd;k gS] blh dze esa ;fn e`R;qdkfyd dFku izn'kZ ih&16 dk ipkZ c;ku izn'kZ ih&9, ,oa vfHk;kstu dgkuh ds lanHkZ esa voyksdu djsa rks vfHk;kstu dgkuh o ipkZ c;ku izn'kZ ih&9, ds vuqlkj ?kVuk fnukad 05-02-2012 dks lqcg 10-00 cts dh gksuk izdV gksrk gS] tcfd e`R;qdkfyd dFku izn'kZ ih&16] tks fnukad 05-02-2012 dks 4-50 ih-,e- ij eftLVsªV ds le{k fy, x,] mlesa e`rdk 'kchuk }kjk ;g c;ku fn;k x;k gS fd ijlw ds fnu mlds ifr us mlds Åij rsy Mkydj vkx yxk nh] ftlls ?kVuk fnukad 05-02-2012 dks uk gksdj mlls igys dh gksuk izdV gksrk gS] ftlls Hkh ?kVuk fnukad 05-02-2012 dks gksuk ;qfDr;qDr lansg ls ijs fl) ugha gks ikus ls vihykFkhZ&vfHkqDr ds fOk:) fopkj.kh; fcUnw lkfcr ugha gks ikrk gSA 26- gLrxr izdj.k esa e`rdk 'kchuk }kjk vius e`R;qdkfyd dFku esa ;|fi ?kVuk ds oDr mlds ifr dk ?kj ij gksuk vafdr djk;k gS] fdarq bl laca/k esa ;fn i=koyh ij miyC/k Lora= ekSf[kd lk{; dk voyksdu djsa rks izLrqr ekeys esa xokg ih-MCY;w&2 jkuw] ih-MCY;w&3 futkeqn~nhu] ih- MCY;w&4 bLykeqn~nhu tks fd LkoZizFke ?kVuk ds ckn ?kVuk LFky ij igqaps Fks] mDr lHkh us vius c;kuksa esa e`rdk ds iwNus ij mlds }kjk ?kVuk jksVh cukrs oDr gksuk ,oa vihykFkhZ&vfHkqDr dk ekSds ij mifLFkr ugha gksuk] vius c;kuksa es dFku fd;k gSA bl laca/k esa vuqla/kku vf/kdkjh xokg ih- MCY;w&13 NqV~Vu yky }kjk Hkh viuh izfrijh{kk esa ;g Lohdkj fd;k x;k gS fd ;g lgh gS fd xokgku bLykeqn~nhu] futcqfu'kk] jkuw] tqEek[kka] lkxj vyh] fljkt vgen us esjs dks crk;k Fkk fd ?kVuk ds le; futkeqn~nhu ckjkoQkr ds tqywl esa x;k gqvk Fkk] tgka ls mls Qksu djds cqyok;k Fkk] ftlls i=koyh ij miyC/k eq[; Lora= lk{kh ls vihykFkhZ&vfHkqDr ds ?kVuk ij mifLFkr gksus dh ckr izekf.kr ugha gks ikrh gS ,oa mlesa e`R;qdkfyd dFku esa vafdr rF;ksa esa fojks/kkHkkl mRiUu gksrh gS] e`R;qdkfyd dFku fjdksMZ djus esa =qfV gksuk Hkh laHko gS] D;ksafd eftLVªsV ¼xokg ih-MCY;w&12 Jhefr lksfu;k csfu;ky½ us ;g Lohdkj fd;k gS fd xokg cgqr /khjs&/khjs /kheh vkokt esa cksy jgh Fkh] ftlls e`R;qdkfyd dFku esa vafdr rF; dh fo'oluh;rk ;qfDr;qDr lansg ls ijs fl) ugha gks ikrh gSA bl lanHkZ esa ;g Hkh mYys[kuh; gS fd vfHk;kstu i{k }kjk vihykFkhZ&vfHkqDr dh eksckbZy yksds'ku dk fjdkWMZ Hkh ?kVuk fnukad 05-02-2012 dk izLrqr ugha fd;k x;k gSA 27- gLrxr izdj.k esa ;g Hkh mYys[kuh; gS fd xokg ih-MCY;w&10 MkW- v:.k 'kekZ }kjk] ftlus e`rdk 'kchuk dk iksLVekVZe fd;k x;k gS] vius c;ku esa ;g dFku fd;k gS fd e`rdk dh e`R;q fnukad 11-02-2012 dks losjs 7-00 cts gqbZ Fkh] e`rdk ds Åijh ?kko ls Hkhrjh ?kko tys gq, Fks] tks lkjk 'kjhj tyk gqvk Fkk o QSyk gqvk Fkk] tks dgha ij dkyk iM+k gqvk Fkk ,oa xzsyqys'ku fV';w cuuk 'kq: gks x, Fks ,oa dbZ LFkkuksa ij il iM+k gqvk FkkA e`rdk ds 'kjhj ds fuEu Hkkx psgjk] xnZu] xnZu ds ihNs dk Hkkx] Nkrh] Nkrh ds ihNs dk Hkkx] isV] isV dk fupyk fgLlk] dej] dwYgs] nksuksa mijh gkFk ,oa iSj tys gq, FksA e`rd ds flj dk fgLlk] nksuksa gFksfy;k ryos ,oa iSj tyus ls jg x, FksA e`rdk dk 'kjhj yxHkx 85 ls 95 izfr'kr rd tyk gqvk Fkk] ftlls oDr fujh{k.k e`rdk 'kchuk ds psgjs xnZu ds ihNs ds Hkkx] Nkrh] Nkrh ds ihNs ds Hkkx] isV] dej] dwYgs] nksuksa mijh gkFk] iSj tys gksuk] fdarq gFksyh ds ryos o iSj tyus ls jguk izdV gksrk gSA bl lanHkZ esa ;fn U;kf;d n`"Vkar 1999 SCC (Cri.) 352 Pawan Kumar Parasnath Trivari Vs. State of Gujarat dk voyksdu djsa rks ekuuh; loksZPp U;k;ky; }kjk fcUnw uEcj&8 esa ;g mYysf[kr fd;k gS fd%& "8. After giving our careful consideration to the facts and circumstances of the case and the submissions made by learned counsel for the parties, it appears to us that there are some disturbing features in this case which require to be carefully considered. It is the specific case of the prosecution, as disclosed in the dying declaration recorded by the learned Magistrate, that she was dragged by the accused inside the house and thereafter threatening to kill her, kerosene was poured on her body and she was set on fire. It has however transpired from the evidence of PW 4 Jilu that there were a number of persons collecting water almost in front of the house of the accused. If the deceased, an able-bodied person was attempted to be forcibly dragged inside the house, it was quite natural that she should shout and raise a voice of protest, more so, when she was taken inside the house and the door was bolted and she was threatened to be killed. There is no evidence that anybody had heard any shout for help. Even when she was set on fire, nobody heard her screams or any appeal for help. When PW 4 being requested by the accused entered the house and was told by the accused that the deceased was burning, even then she did not hear any scream or shout for help. According to the evidence of PW 4, the deceased silently came out from the room and after sitting in the “wada”, she only requested Jilu to bring curd for being applied on her body. Such conduct appears to be quite unusual and does not conform to the case of being forcibly dragged into the house and thereafter being set on fire by pouring kerosene. On the contrary, such a case reasonably justifies a case of committing suicide as contended by the accused. We may also note here that the doctor who held an autopsy has also stated that such burning was also possible if somebody would commit suicide. It may be indicated here that Mr Sushil Kumar, the learned counsel for the appellant has also submitted that both the palms of the deceased were not burnt. We may also note here that the doctor who held an autopsy has also stated that such burning was also possible if somebody would commit suicide. It may be indicated here that Mr Sushil Kumar, the learned counsel for the appellant has also submitted that both the palms of the deceased were not burnt. Such a fact indicates that she had committed suicide because in that event, the palms were not likely to be affected. In a case of homicidal burning by pouring kerosene on the body by another person, the palms along with the other parts of the body will get burnt. We may also indicate here that the dying declaration of the victim as recorded by the Magistrate runs counter to the deposition of PW 4. Though in her dying declaration, the deceased stated specifically that she shouted for help, Jilu (PW 4) deposed that she did not hear any such shout for help. It also appears to us that the mother of the deceased, shortly after the incident, reached the place of the occurrence and when Banraj had left the place, she was there. It is not unlikely that at that point of time, barring the accused, no other person was present along with the deceased. There is evidence that the mother had remained with the deceased all the time and when the dying declaration was recorded by the Magistrate, the mother was also present and she also put a thumb impression on the dying declaration. Her conduct in being a party to a fabricated piece of dying declaration recorded by the police constable which was rightly discarded by the courts below cannot be overlooked. In the aforesaid circumstances, in our view, there is justification for the trial court to proceed on the footing that reliance should not be placed on the dying declaration. In the aforesaid facts, the view taken by the trial court for giving the benefit of doubt in favour of the appellant cannot be held to be absolutely without any basis and against the weight of evidence adduced in the case. Hence, in our viion to interfere wiappellant. We, therefore, allow this appeal and set aside the conviction and sentence passed against the appellant. The appellant is in jail. Hence, in our viion to interfere wiappellant. We, therefore, allow this appeal and set aside the conviction and sentence passed against the appellant. The appellant is in jail. He should be released forthwith, if he is not wanted in connection with any other criminal case." 28- gLrxr izdj.k esa xokg ih-MCY;w-&10 v:.k 'kekZ ds vuqlkj oDr fufj{k.k muds }kjk e`rdk 'kchuk ds gFksyh] ryos] iSj] tys gq, ugha ik;s x;s gSaA gekjh fouez jk; esa ;fn fdlh O;fDr }kjk Lo;a dsjkslhu Mkydj vkx yxkbZ tk, rks ,slh fLFkfr esa gFksyh (Palam) tyus dh laHkkouk de jgrh gS] fdUrq ;fn fdlh vU; O;fDr }kjk fdlh dks tyk;k tk, rks ml fLFkfr esa 'kjhj ds ckWMh ikVZ ds lkFk&lkFk gFksyh tyus dh laHkkouk Hkh iw.kZ:is.k jgrh gS] gLrxr izdj.k esa Hkh D;ksafd e`rdk dh nksuksa gFksfy;ka ugha tyuk MkWDVj }kjk izekf.kr fd;k x;k gS] ,sls esa gLrxr izdj.k esa mlds }kjk vkRegR;k djus dh laHkkouk ls badkj ugha fd;k tk ldrk gSA ;gka ;g Hkh mYys[kuh; gS fd uD'kk ekSds esa crk;k x;k dejk] tgka ?kVuk gq;h gS] mldk ,d gh njoktk gS] tks pkSd esa [kqyrk gSA e`rdk tc ph[krh gqbZ dejs ls ckgj vkbZ rc lHkh iM+kslh ogka vk x;s Fks o lHkh us vihykFkhZ dk ogka ekStwn ugha gksus dk dFku fd;k gSA blesa Hkh e`R;qdkfyd dFku lgh gksuk izdV ugha gksrk gSA oSls bl rF; dh iqf"V xokg ih- MCY;w&2 jkuw] ih-MCY;w&3 futcqfu'kk ,oa ih-MCY;w&4 bLykeqn~nhu ds c;kuksa ls Hkh gksrh gS] ftlesa mUgksaus e`rdk ls iwNus ij ?kVuk jksVh cukrs oDr gksuk ,oa vihykFkhZ&vfHkqDr dk ekSds ij uk gksuk crk;k gSA gLrxr izdj.k esa ;g Hkh mYys[kuh; gS fd QnZ tCrh ekfpl izn'kZ ih&4] QnZ tCrh jtkbZ izn'kZ ih&5] QnZ tCrh ihih izn'kZ ih&6] QnZ tCrh v/ktyh pqUuh izn'kZ ih&7 dh dk;Zokgh Hkh ;qfDr;qDr lansg ls ijs fl) ugha gqbZ gS rFkk vfHk;kstu i{k dh vksj ls ?kVuk fnukad 05-02-2012 dk esfMdy fjdkWMZ U;k;ky; esa izLrqr ugha fd;k x;k gS rFkk ihih ij vihykFkhZ&vfHkqDr ds fQaxj fizaV Fks] ;g tkap Hkh ugha djokbZ xbZ gS] ftlds vHkko esa vfHk;kstu dgkuh dh dM+hc) J`a[kyk ugha cu ikrh gS rFkk vihykFkhZ&vfHkqDr ds fo:) fopkj.kh; fcUnw ;qfDr;qDr lansg ls ijs lkfcr ugha gks ikrk gSA 29- vr% i=koyh ij miyC/k lk{; rFkk mHk;i{kksa ds rdksZa ij xaHkhjrk iwoZd euu ds i'pkr~ mijksDr U;kf;d n`"Vkarksa esa izfrikfnr fl)karksa ds en~nsutj ge bl fu"d"kZ ij igqaprs gSa fd gLrxr izdj.k esa ipkZ c;ku@ e`R;qdkfyd dFku fo'oluh; gksuk ;qfDr;qDr lansg ls ijs ugha gksus] ipkZ c;ku esa mYysf[kr rF;ksa dh iqf"V uD'kk ekSdk ls ugha gksus] e`R;qdkfyd dFku ls ?kVuk fnukad 05-02-2012 gksus dh ckr lansg ls ijs fl) ugha gksus] Lora= xokgku ds i{knzksgh ?kksf"kr gksus] muds }kjk vius c;ku esa ?kVuk ds oDr vihykFkhZ&vfHkqDr dk ekSds ij mifLFkr gksus ckcr~ dFku uk djus] xokg ih-MCY;w&1 'kQh ekSgEen] ih-MCY;w&5 'kdhy ekSgEen ds p'enhn lk{kh uk gksus] QnZ tCrh ekfpl] jtkbZ] ihih- ,oa v/ktyh pqUuh dh dk;Zokgh ;qfDr;qDr lansg ls ijs uk gksus] fnukad 05-02-2012 dk esfMdy fjdkWMZ izLrqr ugha gksus] e`rdk 'kchuk dh gFksyh oDr iksLVekVZe tyh gqbZ uk gksus] ls vfHk;kstu i{k fopkj.kh; fcUnq] fd fnukad 05-02-2012 dks lqcg 10-00 cts ds yxHkx futkeqn~nhu }kjk viuh iRuh 'kchuk ij rsy Mkydj vkx yxkdj mldh gR;k dkfjr djuk ;qfDr;qDr lansg ls ijs lkfcr ugha gksrk gSA ,sls esa izdj.k ds rF;ksa o ifjfLFkfr;ksa dks n`f"Vxr j[krs gq,] mDr fo'ys"k.k ds vk/kkj ij fopkj.kh; U;k;ky; }kjk ikfjr vkns'k fnukad 07-02-2014 fof/k lEer ugha gksus ls vikLr fd;s tkus ;ksX; gSA 30- mijksDr foospukuqlkj] gekjs fouez er esa vihykFkhZ&vfHkqDr futkeqn~}hu }kjk izLrqr vihy Lohdkj dh tkdj fo}ku fopkj.k U;k;ky; vij ls'ku U;k;k/kh'k] NcM+k] ftyk ckjka] jktLFkku }kjk ikfjr fu.kZ; ,oa n.Mkns'k fnukad 07-02-2014 dks vikLr fd;k tkrk gSA vihykFkhZ&vfHkqDr dks vkjksfir vijk/kksa ls cjh fd;k tkrk gSA vihykFkhZ&vfHkqDr tsy esa gS] ;fn og fdlh vU; izdj.k esa okafNr uk gks rks mls vfoyEc fjgk fd;k tkosA 31- vihykFkhZ&vfHkqDr dks funsZf'kr fd;k tkrk gS fd og ipkl gtkj :i;s dk Lo;a dk cU/k&i= rFkk blh jkf'k dh ,d lqn`ढ izfrHkwfr] /kkjk 437&d n-iza-la- ds vuqlkj] cjh gksus ds vkns'k fnukad ls nks lIrkg ds Hkhrj jftLVªkj ¼U;kf;d½ jktLFkku mPp U;k;ky; ihB t;iqj ds le{k is'k djsaA bl fu.kZ; ds fo:) fo'ks"k vuqefr ;kfpdk nk;j djus dh fLFkfr esa ;k vodk'k iznku fd;s tkus dh fLFkfr esa] vihykFkhZ&vfHkqDr dks uksfVl dh rkfey gksus ds i'pkr~ og ekuuh; mPpre U;k;ky; ds le{k mifLFkr gksxkA mijksDr ca/k i= N% ekg ds fy, izHkkoh jgsxkA