Supreme Court of India · 1961-01-25
STATE OF MADHYA PRADESH vs AHMADULLAH.
- Citation / case number
- SC 1960/69
- Court
- Supreme Court of India
- Petitioner
- STATE OF MADHYA PRADESH
- Respondent
- AHMADULLAH.
- Bench
- AYYANGAR, N. RAJAGOPALA
Judgment text excerpt
The Supreme Court upheld the acquittal of the respondent for murder under Section 302 IPC, affirming that the crucial time for establishing unsoundness of mind is when the crime was committed, as per Section 84 IPC. The Court emphasized that the burden of proof lies on the accused to demonstrate insanity at the time of the offense, not merely before or after. The High Court's refusal to reverse the acquittal was deemed justifiable given the absence of evidence showing the accused's capability to understand the nature of his actions at the time of the crime.