#extra-judicial confession

The Andhra Pradesh High Court affirmed a mother’s conviction under Section 302 IPC for killing her two children, rejecting unsound mind claims. The court relied on extra-judicial confessions and medical evidence, emphasizing that psychological distress does not negate mens rea in heinous crimes. The ruling reinforces strict liability for infanticide under criminal law, impacting future cases involving mental health defences.

Bombay HC reaffirms that extra-judicial confessions made to a Police Patil are inadmissible under Section 25 of the Indian Evidence Act. The court also mandates scientific proof of victim identity, setting aside conviction where identity relied on circumstantial evidence alone.

The Madhya Pradesh High Court suspended the sentence of an appellant convicted under IPC Sections 364, 302/120-B, and 201, emphasizing that extra-judicial confessions alone-especially without recovery of the body-cannot sustain a conviction. The ruling underscores the need for corroborative evidence in cases hinging on circumstantial proof, offering relief to accused facing prolonged incarceration pending appeal.

Rajasthan High Court reinforces that a conviction under Section 302 IPC can rest solely on circumstantial evidence if the chain is unbroken and consistent. The court upheld the murder conviction based on the accused being last seen with the victim, recovery of body parts, and an unchallenged extra-judicial confession, setting a precedent for similar cases.

The Chhattisgarh High Court overturned a murder conviction where the sole incriminating statement was an uncorroborated extra-judicial confession and the recovery of evidence was unreasonably delayed. This reinforces that no conviction under Section 302 IPC can rest on custodial statements without independent corroboration, safeguarding against coerced confessions in tribal and rural investigations.

Calcutta High Court reaffirms that extra-judicial confessions, without corroborative evidence, cannot sustain a murder conviction under Section 302 IPC. The ruling underscores the necessity of consistent witness accounts and investigative support to meet the 'beyond reasonable doubt' standard in criminal trials.

Chhattisgarh High Court upholds murder conviction based on extra-judicial confession corroborated by forensic evidence, recovery of blood-stained items, and post-occurrence conduct under Section 302 IPC.