Murugan & Anr vs State Rep. By Sub Inspector Of Police

The Supreme Court acquitted the appellants Murugan and Vellathai, who were convicted under Sections 302/149 IPC, on the grounds of insufficient evidence attributing an active role to them in the murder. The Court noted that the prosecution's case relied heavily on the testimony of three eyewitnesses, who only implicated Vellathai as an instigator due to a prior insult from the deceased. Given the long-standing animosity between the parties and the possibility of false implication, the Court held that the benefit of doubt must be given to the appellants, thus setting aside the High Court's order and ordering their acquittal.