The Supreme Court emphasised the need for concrete evidence in criminal cases in order to protect against false accusations and acquitted the accused.
In a significant ruling dated July 15, 2024, the Supreme Court of India, comprising Justice C.T. Ravikumar and Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia, acquitted Ram Prakash Chadha in Criminal Appeal No. 2395 of 2023. The case, which originated from the alleged custodial death of Chadha’s employee Ram Kishore, saw the appellant seeking discharge under Section 227 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973.
Background
Ram Prakash Chadha had reported a robbery involving his employee Ram Kishore, which subsequently led to Kishore’s detention and alleged torture by the police. This torture reportedly resulted in Kishore’s death, leading to charges against Chadha for criminal conspiracy.
Legal Battle
Chadha’s application for discharge was initially dismissed by the High Court of Judicature at Allahabad. The case then escalated to the Supreme Court, where Chadha’s defense argued the absence of any material evidence linking him to the torture or conspiracy.
Supreme Court’s Judgment
The Supreme Court meticulously reviewed the evidence, focusing on the provisions of Section 227, Cr.PC, which necessitates discharge if there is no sufficient ground for proceeding. The court found no prima facie case against Chadha and emphasized that the evidence presented by the prosecution did not substantiate the allegations of criminal conspiracy or involvement in the custodial death.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s ruling underscores the importance of concrete evidence in criminal cases, particularly concerning serious allegations like custodial deaths. This judgment not only acquits Ram Prakash Chadha but also reinforces the legal safeguards protecting individuals from baseless accusations.
This landmark decision will serve as a reference for future cases involving allegations of criminal conspiracy and custodial deaths, ensuring justice is served based on factual evidence and legal principles.
Case Title: Ram Prakash Chadha vs. The State of Uttar Pradesh
Case Number: Criminal Appeal No. 2395 of 2023
Date: July 15, 2024