Supreme Court Acquits Father-in-Law in Dowry Death Case Over Contradictory Dying Declarations

The Supreme Court of India acquitted a father-in-law in a dowry death case, citing serious contradictions in the deceased’s dying declarations and lack of credible evidence.

The Court reiterated that while a conviction can be based solely on a dying declaration, it must be tested against surrounding circumstances and overall evidence. In this case, one declaration alleged homicide while another indicated suicide, creating reasonable doubt.

The Court also noted absence of independent proof of dowry demand and treated later allegations as unreliable.

Applying the principle of benefit of doubt, it set aside the conviction.

[Narendra Singh v. The State of Madhya Pradesh]