The Jaipur Bench of the Rajasthan High Court has commuted the death penalty of a man wrongfully convicted for the rape and murder of a 7-year-old child. The court directed the Jhalawar Superintendent of Police to reopen the investigation, citing significant flaws in the case.
The man was initially sentenced to death by the trial court, a verdict later upheld by the High Court. However, the Supreme Court remitted the matter to the High Court to reconsider the sentence. During the re-examination, the High Court found that the case relied entirely on circumstantial evidence.
The court noted that DNA samples indicated a false implication. DNA profiles of two unknown males were found on the victim’s leggings and the accused’s underwear, but these profiles did not match the accused’s blood sample. Additionally, the accused was not given a fair opportunity to explain this DNA evidence during the trial.
The High Court also observed that the accused was a minor at the time of the alleged crime, as per his school records. He had no prior criminal history and demonstrated good behavior during his time in jail.
In its judgment, the court highlighted the cardinal principle of criminal law: it is better to acquit 100 guilty persons than to wrongfully convict one innocent individual. The bench emphasized the importance of ensuring that overzealous prosecution does not result in injustice.
The court criticized the investigative process, stating that the real culprits shifted the blame onto the accused, possibly with police complicity. Furthermore, critical details, such as the accused’s age and DNA evidence, were not presented before the Supreme Court, and he received inadequate legal assistance during his appeal.
As a result, the High Court commuted the death sentence to life imprisonment. It also directed the Secretary of the Rajasthan State Legal Services Authority to file an appeal against the earlier judgment. Moreover, the court ordered the Jhalawar Superintendent of Police to reopen the case to identify the actual perpetrators and ensure justice is served.
This case underscores the significance of thorough and fair investigations, especially in cases involving severe punishments like the death penalty.
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