Nilesh Baburao Gitte. vs. State of Maharashtra 2025 INSC 1191

In this judgement, the Apex Court revisits the crucial principles of circumstantial evidence in criminal law. This verdict underscores the necessity of a complete and unquestionable chain of evidence before convicting an accused under circumstantial proof.Key Takeaways:✅ The “five golden principles” of circumstantial evidence must be strictly adhered to.✅ Absence of conclusive forensic evidence weakens the prosecution’s case.✅ Burden of proof remains strictly on prosecution, not on the accused.✅ Medical evidence ambiguities can create reasonable doubt.✅ Motive must be clearly established beyond reasonable doubt.Statutes:✅ Indian Penal Code, 1860 (Sections 302, 27)✅ Indian Evidence Act, 1872 (Sections 8, 27, 106)✅ Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (Section 313) #CriminalLaw #SupremeCourt #CircumstantialEvidence #EvidenceLaw