STATE OF ASSAM vs MUHIM BARKATAKI & ANR.

The Supreme Court held that the dying declaration made by the deceased, while suffering from severe burn injuries, was truthful and reliable under Section 32 of the Evidence Act, 1872. The Court found that the prosecution had proved beyond reasonable doubt the charges of murder under Section 302 IPC and arson under Section 436 IPC against the accused, thereby overturning the High Court's acquittal. The Court reinstated the Sessions Court's conviction and sentence of rigorous imprisonment for life for the accused.