SUDAMA PANDEY vs STATE OF BIHAR

The Supreme Court held that the conviction of the appellants under Section 302 read with Section 34 IPC, Section 376/511 IPC, and Section 201/34 IPC was flawed due to reliance on circumstantial evidence that did not form a complete chain pointing to their guilt. The Court reiterated that in cases based on circumstantial evidence, each incriminating circumstance must be clearly established and consistent with the guilt of the accused. The Court ultimately acquitted the appellants, emphasizing the principle that the benefit of doubt must be given to the accused when evidence is not conclusive.