Supreme Court Sets Aside Death Penalty in Child Rape-Murder Case, Citing Illegal Confession and DNA Evidence Lapses

The Supreme Court has set aside the death penalty awarded in a child rape-murder case, citing serious concerns about the legality of the confession obtained and lapses in the handling of DNA evidence. The apex court’s decision highlights the critical importance of adhering to proper legal procedures and ensuring the reliability of evidence in cases involving capital punishment.

The Supreme Court bench, while overturning the death sentence, emphasized that the prosecution’s case was significantly weakened by the improper admission of the accused’s confession and inconsistencies in the DNA evidence presented. The court stated that these flaws raised serious doubts about the fairness of the trial and the validity of the conviction.

The court noted that the confession obtained from the accused did not adhere to the required legal safeguards, potentially violating the accused’s rights. The bench observed that the procedures for recording the confession, as mandated by law, were not strictly followed, casting doubt on its voluntariness and reliability.

Furthermore, the Supreme Court pointed out significant lapses in the handling and analysis of the DNA evidence. The court noted inconsistencies in the DNA reports and questioned whether the evidence was properly collected, preserved, and analyzed. The bench emphasized that in cases where the death penalty is considered, the reliability of scientific evidence, such as DNA, is paramount.

The Supreme Court’s decision underscores the principle that in capital punishment cases, there must be an “unflinching adherence to established legal norms and scrupulous examination of evidence,” and the court reiterated that any doubt should benefit the accused.

The court has remitted the case back to the lower court for a retrial, excluding the inadmissible confession and with directions for a proper evaluation of the DNA evidence.