NARAIN SINGH vs STATE OF PUNJAB

The Supreme Court held that the conviction of the appellant under Section 304 Part II IPC could not stand as the lower courts improperly dissected the appellant's statement made under Section 342 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898. The Court emphasized that if an accused presents a self-defensive narrative, the entire statement must be considered, not just the incriminating parts. The appellant's claim of self-defense, based on an alleged attempt by the victim to strangle him, warranted acquittal as it justified the use of force, including lethal force, in defense of person.