MP Court Slams 'Intellectual Dishonesty' in Prosecution

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has delivered sharp rebukes to the prosecution in two separate cases originating from Panna district. These rulings, issued less than a month apart, highlight concerns over "intellectual dishonesty" in withholding crucial evidence.

In a case concerning the death of a married woman, the prosecution failed to present a dying declaration recorded by a naib tehsildar. This declaration indicated the deceased sustained burns accidentally, contradicting the culpable homicide and dowry harassment charges against her husband. The trial court had acquitted the husband, and the state's appeal was being heard.

The High Court, in its January 15, 2026 order, expressed dismay at the prosecution's conduct, noting that the onus was on them to present all evidence. In a second case, involving a murder charge where a wife and her alleged paramour were sentenced to life imprisonment, the court observed that the scene of crime report from an FSL scientific officer was presented by the defense, not the prosecution.

This report suggested inconsistencies in the investigation timeline. The court questioned the investigating officer's presence at multiple locations simultaneously and accused him of creating "fictitious" evidence. A departmental inquiry was suggested if the officer remained in service.