MANIPUR ADMINISTRATION vs THOKCHOM, BIRA SINGH

The Supreme Court held that under Section 403 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, an acquittal in a previous trial can bar the reception of evidence that contradicts a finding of fact established in that trial, even if the subsequent trial concerns a different offence. The Court clarified that the principle of issue-estoppel applies to prevent the prosecution from disturbing a previously established fact. The acquittal of the respondent was upheld, confirming the earlier decision in Pritam Singh v. State of Punjab.