Why was the man acquitted after 23 years in jail?

The Allahabad High Court acquitted the man because the prosecution failed to conclusively prove his guilt, citing unreliable evidence and inefficiencies in the criminal justice system.

What did the court say about the criminal justice system?

The court remarked that the case was a "sad commentary on our criminal justice delivery system" and highlighted the need for more judges, staff, and infrastructure.

What was the key evidence against the accused?

The prosecution relied on weak extra-judicial confessions and the testimony of the accused's young son, who later admitted to giving tutored statements under duress.

Home / Crime and Justice / Man Acquitted After 23 Years in Jail for Family Slayings

Man Acquitted After 23 Years in Jail for Family Slayings

27 Feb

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Summary

A man was acquitted after spending 23 years in jail for murder.
The court criticized the criminal justice system's inefficiencies.
Key evidence was deemed unreliable, including a child's testimony.

After serving 23 years in prison, a man has been acquitted of the murders of his wife and three children by the Allahabad high court. The court issued a strong statement, calling the case a "sad commentary on our criminal justice delivery system" that necessitates introspection. The bench emphasized the urgent need for remedial measures, such as appointing more judges and improving infrastructure, stating that conferences alone are insufficient.

The prosecution's case relied heavily on alleged extra-judicial confessions made by the accused to two witnesses and the testimony of his then 5-year-old son, Azim. However, during cross-examination, the child admitted his statements were tutored and given under threat of eviction. The court also considered the existing land dispute enmity between the informant and the accused.

The court acquitted the man, noting that while the murders were gruesome, the prosecution failed to conclusively prove his guilt. The judges acknowledged that the man's true ordeal might continue post-release, considering the potential loss of family and the uncertainty of his surviving son's reception.

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