Himachal Pradesh High Court: Driver Identity Must Be Proven for Road Accident Conviction

The Himachal Pradesh High Court held that a conviction in a road accident case cannot stand unless the prosecution proves beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused was the driver.

Justice Rakesh Kainthla noted that both lower courts failed to establish the accused’s identity and the vehicle’s involvement.

The informant’s statement lacked the car’s registration number, and there were inconsistencies in the vehicle’s description. The injured witness admitted he heard the driver’s name from his sister, making it hearsay.

The investigating officer also gave no clear basis for identification. The Court ruled that the prosecution’s evidence was insufficient to sustain the conviction.

[Manoj Chauhan v State of Himachal and Ors.]