Child Witness Testimony Upheld in Murder Case: A Landmark Judgment by Madhya Pradesh High Court

Child Witness Testimony Upheld in Murder Case: A Landmark Judgment by Madhya Pradesh High Court

In a significant judgment, the Madhya Pradesh High Court upheld the conviction and punishment in a murder case based on the testimony of an 8-year-old child, the sole eyewitness. The Division Bench, comprising Justice Vijay Kumar Shukla and Justice Hirdesh, affirmed the lower court’s decision, reinforcing the credibility and importance of child witness testimony when found reliable and substantial.

Also Read: NEET-UG 2024 Paper Leak: Another petition filed in Supreme Court demanding re-conduct of NEET exam over alleged paper leak

The Case at a Glance

The case revolved around the brutal murder of a woman by her husband. The key witness to the crime was the couple’s 8-year-old daughter. The appellant, the accused husband, challenged the conviction on the grounds that the child’s testimony was unreliable and influenced by her grandparents. However, the High Court dismissed these arguments, emphasizing the inherent reliability and consistency of the child’s account.

Also Read: If the Election Commission Does Not Take Action Against The Use of Religion For Votes, Then it is Doing The Biggest Injustice: Justice KM Joseph

Legal Precedents and Court’s Rationale

The court’s decision heavily referenced established legal precedents, including the Wheeler v. United States (159 US 523) and Suryanarayana v. State of Karnataka (2001) 9 SCC 129, which highlight the admissibility and weight of child witness testimonies. Furthermore, the court cited Section 118 of the Indian Evidence Act, which does not specify a minimum age for a competent witness, reinforcing that a child’s testimony can be as credible as that of an adult if it meets the required standards of quality and reliability.

The Supreme Court’s decision in Dattu Ramrao Sakhare v. State of Maharashtra [(1997) 5 SCC 341] was also pivotal. In this case, it was established that child witnesses could be deemed credible if their testimony is reliable and their behavior indicates truthfulness and lack of coaching.

Also Read: Supreme Court’s decision: The tenant will have to be compensated for the ‘interim benefit’ even after the rights are terminated

Also Read: Extension of Interim Bail for Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal Sought in Supreme Court Amid Liquor Policy Probe

Eyewitness Relationship and Stakeholder Witnesses

The court also addressed the issue of the child being a related witness. It referenced the principle established in Nitin Mewate vs State of Madhya Pradesh, distinguishing between ‘stakeholder witnesses’ and ‘related witnesses.’ The court clarified that the relationship of the witness to the aggrieved party does not inherently discredit their testimony. The witness’s account must be evaluated on its merit and reliability.

Also Read: Supreme Court Issues Notice to Telangana on Tadi-Tapper Setti Balija Community’s OBC Reservation Denial