Delhi High Court: Proving Motive Not Essential to Sustain Murder Charge

The Delhi High Court held that proving motive is not a legal requirement to secure a conviction under Section 302 of the IPC.

The Court observed that if the prosecution establishes the commission of the homicidal act and the accused’s intention to cause death, the absence of a proven motive does not weaken the case.

The Court clarified that while motive is often presented in murder trials, it holds only subsidiary importance; what ultimately matters is proof of the act and the requisite intent.  
The Court held that the lack of motive alone could not warrant acquittal when other evidence was sufficient.

[Mohd Nawab v State NCT of Delhi]