Calcutta High Court Acquits Woman Convicted of Murder of Husband, Citing Infirmities in Prosecution Cas

The Calcutta High Court overturned the conviction of a woman accused of murdering her husband, citing inconsistencies and inadequacies in the prosecution’s case. The trial court had sentenced her to life imprisonment, but on appeal, the High Court found that the evidence was largely circumstantial and failed to conclusively establish her guilt. The Court observed that suspicion, however strong, cannot substitute for proof beyond reasonable doubt in criminal jurisprudence. It pointed to contradictions in witness testimony and lack of corroborative evidence connecting the accused to the crime. Stressing the importance of safeguarding against wrongful convictions, the Court held that where two views are possible, the one favoring the accused must prevail. By acquitting the woman, the judgment reaffirmed the principle that the burden of proof rests entirely on the prosecution, and in its failure, the accused is entitled to benefit of doubt.