In a recent ruling, the Supreme Court sternly admonished the Tamil Nadu Police for their involvement in coaching witnesses to testify against defendants. This directive came as a response to concerns raised about the integrity of the judicial process.
The Court’s rebuke was unambiguous: law enforcement’s interference with witnesses undermines the very foundation of justice. Justices Abhay S Oka and Pankaj Mithal emphasized the gravity of the situation, highlighting the egregious misuse of power by the police.
The justices expressed astonishment at the oversight of this critical issue by both the trial court and the High Court. They noted that the defense had asserted the absence of the accused at the scene of the alleged crime, casting doubt on the prosecution’s case. Furthermore, the failure to examine independent witnesses only compounded these doubts.
Consequently, the Court overturned the convictions under Section 302 r/w Section 34 IPC, granting the appellants the benefit of the doubt and acquitting them.
This landmark decision serves as a reminder that justice must prevail without any external influence. It underscores the importance of upholding the integrity of the legal system and ensuring fair trials for all parties involved.