
Nilesh Baburao Gitte. vs. State of Maharashtra 2025 INSC 1191
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In this judgement, the Apex Court revisits the crucial principles of circumstantial evidence in criminal law.
This verdict underscores the necessity of a complete and unquestionable chain of evidence before convicting an accused under circumstantial proof.
Key Takeaways:
✅ The “five golden principles” of circumstantial evidence must be strictly adhered to.
✅ Absence of conclusive forensic evidence weakens the prosecution’s case.
✅ Burden of proof remains strictly on prosecution, not on the accused.
✅ Medical evidence ambiguities can create reasonable doubt.
✅ Motive must be clearly established beyond reasonable doubt.
Statutes:
✅ Indian Penal Code, 1860 (Sections 302, 27)
✅ Indian Evidence Act, 1872 (Sections 8, 27, 106)
✅ Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (Section 313) #CriminalLaw #SupremeCourt #CircumstantialEvidence #EvidenceLaw