J&K High Court: “Falsus in Uno” Doctrine Inapplicable, Courts to Focus on Reliab
- Case Name: State of J&K v. Showkat Ali
- Judge(s): Sanjay Dhar and Rajnesh Oswal, JJ
- Advocate(s): Mr. Amit Gupta AAG, Mr. S.M. Chowdhary
In a 24-year-old assault case, Showkat Ali allegedly caused a grievous head injury during a land dispute. The trial court acquitted him, citing contradictions in witness testimonies.
The case questioned whether the principle "falsus in uno, falsus in omnibus" ("false in one thing, false in everything") applies in India. The prosecution highlighted consistent testimony and medical proof of grievous injury, while the defense focused on inconsistencies.
The High Court rejected the principle and convicted Showkat Ali under Section 325 IPC, emphasizing the need to separate reliable evidence from inconsistencies. He was sentenced to one month in prison and fined Rs. 10,000.
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