The Supreme Court has acquitted two individuals convicted in a murder case from Kalaburagi, Karnataka, ruling that the 'last seen' theory alone is insufficient to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. In its judgment delivered on April 27, 2026, the apex court emphasized that the prosecution failed to establish any motive or prior connection between the accused and the deceased.
Case Background
The appellants were earlier convicted by lower courts for the murder of a man in Kalaburagi. The prosecution heavily relied on the 'last seen' theory, which suggests that if a person is last seen with the deceased and fails to provide a plausible explanation, it can be considered circumstantial evidence of guilt.
Supreme Court's Observations
However, the Supreme Court bench observed that the appellants had no known association with the victim, no axe to grind, and no motive to eliminate him. The court stated that the 'last seen' theory, without corroborative evidence such as motive or prior enmity, cannot form the sole basis for conviction. The judgment underscored that mere presence at the scene or being last seen with the deceased is not enough to establish guilt.
The bench further noted that the prosecution did not present any material to show that the accused had any reason to harm the deceased. The court acquitted the appellants, setting aside their life sentences and ordering their immediate release unless required in other cases.
Legal Implications
This ruling reinforces the principle that circumstantial evidence must be complete and point unequivocally to the guilt of the accused. The Supreme Court's decision highlights the need for courts to be cautious when relying solely on the 'last seen' theory, especially in the absence of motive or other corroborative evidence.
The judgment is expected to influence similar cases where the 'last seen' theory is the primary evidence. Legal experts note that this decision aligns with established precedents requiring a chain of circumstances that excludes any hypothesis of innocence.
