Apex Court Condemns Police Interference: Witnesses’ Testimony Discredited

The Supreme Court of India has censured police officials for allegedly tutoring prosecution witnesses in a murder case, leading to the acquittal of the accused due to doubts raised over witness testimony.

The case involved two murder accused who were convicted by the trial court and subsequently by the high court. However, the Supreme Court, upon review, acquitted them, citing police interference in witness testimony.

The prosecution’s case revolved around an altercation resulting in the murder of the deceased. However, the accused alleged discrepancies in the prosecution’s evidence, including conflicting timeframes and selective examination of witnesses.

The Court observed that key witnesses, primarily close relatives of the deceased, had been allegedly tutored by police officials a day before their testimony in court. This manipulation of witnesses by law enforcement was deemed a gross misuse of power and a blatant act that undermined the judicial process.

Consequently, the Court ruled that the witnesses’ testimony, tainted by police interference, could not be considered reliable. It emphasized the importance of impartial and untainted witness testimony in ensuring justice.

In a scathing rebuke, the Court criticized both the trial court and the high court for overlooking the issue of witness tutoring, leading to the wrongful conviction of the accused.

Furthermore, the Court directed the Director General of Police of the State of Tamil Nadu to conduct an inquiry into the conduct of the implicated police officials and take appropriate disciplinary action in accordance with the law.

This ruling underscores the judiciary’s commitment to upholding the integrity of legal proceedings and safeguarding against undue influence or tampering with witness testimony.

Case Details:

• Case Title: Manikandan vs State by the Inspector of Police
• Case No.: Criminal Appeal No. 1609 of 2011
• Citation: 2024 Latest Caselaw 208 SC
• Coram: Hon’ble Mr. Justice Abhay S. Oka and Hon’ble Mr. Justice Pankaj Mithal
• Advocates for the Appellants: Mr. Mayilsamy K, Adv.; Dr. Gayathiri A S, Adv.; Mr. Arun Pandiyan S, Adv.; Mr. P. Soma Sundaram, AOR; Mr. B Ragunath, Adv.; Mrs. NC Kavitha, Adv.; Mr. Vijay Kumar, AOR
• Advocates for the Respondent: Mr. D. Kumanan, AOR; Mr. Sheikh F. Kalia, Adv; Mr. Vishal Tyagi, Adv.; Mr. Chinmay Anand, Adv.

This ruling serves as a reminder of the judiciary’s role in upholding the principles of fairness and impartiality in legal proceedings.

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