Bhagwat vs The State Of Maharashtra

The Supreme Court upheld the conviction of the appellant under Section 302 IPC for the murder of his wife, finding sufficient circumstantial evidence despite the absence of eyewitnesses and conflicting dying declarations. The Court emphasized that the appellant's behavior, including absconding for three months, contradicted his claims of innocence and that the nature of the burn injuries indicated a homicidal death rather than an accidental fire. The Court rejected the appellant's plea for a lesser charge under Section 304-II IPC, affirming the life sentence imposed by the High Court.