Holding

A conviction under Section 302 IPC is valid when the sole witness is credible and the evidence shows intent to cause death; the number of witnesses is immaterial under Section 134 of the Evidence Act.

Summary

Namdeo, who had a long-standing dispute with his neighbour Ninaji over livestock, attacked Ninaji with an axe on the night of 25 October 2000, inflicting a fatal head wound. Ninaji’s son Sopan, who was present in the courtyard, witnessed the assault in electric light, chased the assailant and later gave testimony; a neighbour Raju also corroborated seeing Namdeo flee with the axe. The deceased gave a dying declaration to a doctor, and medical evidence confirmed that the injury was sufficient to cause death. The trial court convicted Namdeo under Section 302 IPC and sentenced him to life imprisonment; the High Court affirmed. On appeal, the accused argued that the case rested on a solitary, ‘interested’ witness and should be reduced to Section 304(II) IPC. The Supreme Court held that the quality, not the quantity, of evidence governs; a single credible witness, even if a close relative, may suffice for conviction, and Section 134 of the Evidence Act does not require multiple witnesses. The use of an axe on the head demonstrated intent to kill, justifying conviction under Section 302 IPC. The appeal was dismissed and the conviction upheld.

Issues considered

The adequacy of conviction based solely on the testimony of a single eye‑witness who is the victim’s son.
Whether a close relative of the deceased is an ‘interested’ witness whose testimony must be rejected or require corroboration.
Whether the offence should be classified under Section 302 IPC (murder) or Section 304(II) IPC (culpable homicide not amounting to murder).

Legislation cited

Indian Evidence Act, 1872s. 134
Indian Penal Code, 1860s. 302, s. 304(II)

Subjects

murderSection 302 IPCsolitary witnessinterested witnessIndian Evidence Act Section 134intent to killaxe attackdeath of victimconviction upheld

Judgment

-) NAMDEO A
v.
STATE OF MAHARASHTRA

MARCH 13, 2007

[C.K. THAKKERAND P.K. BALASUBRAMANYAN, JJ.] B

Indian Penal Code,1860:

Section 302-Conviction under-Based on testimony of solitary
witness-Held, quality of evidence and not quantity of evidence which is C
material-Section 134 of the Indian Evidence Act 1872.

Deceased and the accused, living nearby, possessed she goats, sheep and
she buffalos but relations between the deceased and the accused were strained.
The reason was the belief entertained by the accused who harboured a D
suspicion that she goats and sheep belonged to him died due to some disease
and the deceased and his friends were responsible for the death of those
-r animals as deceased had played a witch craft. This resulted in accused abusing
the deceased and administering threat to kill. Son of the deceased, however
requested village people to settle the dispute between his father and the
accused. Accordingly, some responsible persons intervened, called both of them E
and advised not to quarrel, however, on the fateful night at about 2-3 AM
accused assaulted the deceased with an axe while he was asleep in his
courtyard. On hearing the shouts of his father, the complainant came out and
saw the appellant inflicting axe blow on the head of his father. The accused
fled away with the axe and disappeared in the darkness and could not be caught. F
• ~ Another neighbour also came out on hearing the shout but he also could not
catch the accused. The axe was subsequently recovered at the instance of the
accused. On the basis of the above evidence, the trial Court held that it was
proved beyond reasonable doubt that it was accused and accused alone who
had caused injuries to the deceased which resulted in his death. The accused
was, therefore, convicted for an offence punishable under Section 302 IPC G
and was awarded imprisonment for life. The appeal filed by the accused before
i. the High Court was dismissed. Hence, the appeal.

It was contended on behalf of the appellant that the entire case of the

939 H
940 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2007] 3 S.C.R.

A prosecution is based on solitary testimony of eye witness who is son of the
deceased. He is thus an 'interested' witness. In absence of any corroboration,
it would not be safe to place implicit reliance on his testimony who could not
have seen the assailant in the dark night. It was further contended that though
several persons had come at the place of offence, none was examined except
one who was also not an eye witness. It was submitted that oral dying
B declaration said to have been made by the deceased either before one Kor Dr.
S cannot be relied upon in the light of the fact that the injured was in critical
condition and died within a short time. It was finally submitted that even ifthe
case of the prosecution is believed, only a single blow was given by the accused
f
and the case would not be covered under Section 302 JPC but would fall under
C Section 304, Part II IPC and the order of conviction and sentence requires to
be modified.

On behalf of the State it was contended that both the Courts considered
the evidence in its proper perspective and no fault can be found when they
held the accused guilty. Regarding nature of offence, it was submitted that an
D axe blow was administered on the vital part of the body i.e. head which resulted
in death of the deceased which was rightly held to be a case of an offence of
murder.

Dismissing the appeal, the Court

E HELD 1.1. It is the quality of evidence and not quantity of evidence which
is material. Quantity of evidence can never be considered to be a test for
deciding a criminal trial and the emphasis of Courts is always on quality of
evidence. [Para 14) [946-F)

1.2. Indian legal system does not insist on plurality of witnesses. Neither
F the Legislature nor the judiciary mandates that there must be particular
number of witnesses to record an order of conviction against the accused.
Our legal system has always laid emphasis on value, weight and quality of
evidence rather than on quantity, multiplicity or plurality of witnesses. It is,
therefore, open to a competent court to fully and completely rely on a solitary
G witness and record conviction. Conversely, it may acquit the accused in spite
of testimony of several witnesses if it is not satisfied about the quality of
evidence. The bald contention that no conviction can be recorded in case of a \
solitary eye witness, therefore, has no force and must be negatived.
(Para 17) (951-8, C, DI
H
- .-;
NAMDEO v. STATE OF MAHARASHTRA

Mohamed Sugai Esa Mamasan Rer Ala/ah v. The King, AIR (1946) PC
941

A
3: 222 IC 304 (PC); Vadivelu Thevar v. State of Madras, I 19571SCR981 :
AIR (1957) SC 614; Shivaji Sahebrao Bobade v. State of Maharashtra, 119731
2 SCC 793; Anil Phukan v. State of Assam, 11993] 3 SCC 282: JT (1993) 2
SC 290; Kartik Malhar v. State of Bihar, I I 996] 1 SCC 614 : .JT (1995) 8 SC
425; Chittar Lal v. State of Rajasthan, 120031 6 SCC 397 : JT (2003) 7 SC
B
270 and Bhimappa Chandappa v. State of Karnataka, 12006] I I SCC 323,
relied upon
j
2.1. A witness who is a relative of the deceased or victim of a crime
.+
cannot be characterised as 'interested'. The term 'interested' postulates that
the witness has some direct or indirect 'interest' in having the accused c
somehow or other convicted due to animus or for some other oblique motive.
jPara 18] (951-E]

Dalip Singh v. State of Punjab, I1954) SCR 145 : AIR (1953) SC 364;
Rameshwar Kalyan Singh v. State of Rajasthan, 11952] SCR 377: AIR (1952)
SC 54; Dalbir Kaur (Mst.) v. State of Punjab, (1976) 4 SCC 158: AIR (1977) D
SC 472 and Kartik Malhar v. State of Bihar, 11996] I SCC 614, followed
-y Darya Singh & Ors. v. State of Punjab, [1964] 3 SCR 397 : AIR (1965)
SC 328, referred to.

2.2. A close relative cannot be characterised as an 'interested' witness.
E
He is a 'natural' witness. His evidence, however, must be scrutinized carefully.
If on such scrutiny, his evidence is found to be intrinsically reliable, inherently
probable and wholly trustworthy, conviction can be based on the 'sole'
testimony of such witness. Close relationship of witness with the deceased or
victim is no ground to reject his evidence. On the contrary, close relative of F
- ,J-
the deceased would normally be most reluctant to spare the real culprit and
falsely implicate an innocent one. (Para 20] 1955-B, CJ

Harbans Kaur v. State of Haryana, 12005] 9 SCC 195, relied upon.

3.1. Considering the nature of weapon used by the accused (axe) and G
the vital part of the body (head) of the deceased chosen by him for attack , it
was clear that the intention of the accused was to cause death which is
.J.
corroborated by the medical evidence that the injury was sufficient in the
ordinary course of nature to cause death of the victim and as such the case of
the accused does not fall under Section 304, II IPC, rather the case is covered H
942 SUPREME COURT REPORTS

A by Section 302 IPC. (Para 22) (956-A, Bl
[2007] 3 S. C.R.
...
CRIMINAL APPELLATE JURISDICTION : Criminal Appeal No. 914 of
2006.

From the Final Judgment and Order dated 29.03.2005 of the High Court
B of Judicature at Bombay, bench at Nagpur in Criminal Appeal No. 262 of2001.

Dr. Sushi! Balwada (SCLSC) for the Appellant.
•
Sushi! Karanjkar, Ravindra Keshavrao Adsure and V.N. Raghupathy for
the Respondent.
c
The Judgment of the Court was delivered by

C.K. THAKKER, J. I. The present appeal is filed against the judgment
and order passed by the High Court of Judicature at Bombay (Nagpur Bench)
on March 29, 2005 in Criminal Appeal No. 262 of 2001 by which the High
D Court dismissed the appeal against an order of conviction recorded by the
Sessions Judge, Buldana on July 23, 2001 in Sessions Case No. 19 of 2001
convicting the appellant for an offence punishable under Section 302 of
'/ -
Indian Penal Code (!PC).

E 2. Short facts leading to the present appeal are that the deceased Ninaji
Rupaji Ghonge was a resident ofDeodhaba, Taluk Malkapur, District Buldana.
He was residing with his son Sopan (PW6). His other sons were staying
separately. Deceased Ninaji possessed she goats, sheep and she buffalos.
The appellant-accused Namdeo was also residing in a nearby house. Relations
F between the deceased Ninaji and the accused Namdeo were strained. The
reason was the belief entertained by the accused. Namdeo harboured a
suspicion that she goats and sheep belonged to him died due to some disease
and the deceased Ninaji and his friends were responsible for the death of
those animals as deceased Ninaji had played a witch craft. This resulted in
accused Namdeo abusing the deceased and administering threat to kill. PW6-
G Sopan, son of the deceased, however requested village people to settle the
dispute between his father and the accused. Accordingly, some responsible
persons intervened, called both of them and advised not to quarrel.

3. On October 25, 2000 between 8.00 to 9.00 p.m., a she buffalo of
H accused Namdeo died. Deceased Ninaji, after taking his meal, was sleeping
- -J
NAMDEO v. STATE OF MAHARASHTRA [C.K. THAKKER. J.) 943
on the wooden cot in the backyard of his house. On the same night, at about A
2.00 to 3.00 a.m., PW6-Sopan (complainant) heard shouts of his father calling
'Bapa re Bapa re'. On hearing the cry, PW6-Sopan and his wife rushed towards
the backyard of his house where Ninaji was sleeping and notic~d that the
accused Namdeo was assaulting him. PW6-Sopan saw the accused
administering axe blow on the head of his father Ninaji, in the light of electric
bulb. On seeing Sopan, the accused Namdeo fled away from the place taking B
axe in his hand. Sopan chased him, but the accused disappeared in the
,. darkness and Sopan could not catch him. PW8-Raju Prahlad Sonune, who
.. was a neighbour, also heard the shout ofNinaji and came there. He also tried
to catch the accused Namdeo but could not succeed. Sopan and Raju returned
to the backyard where Ninaji was lying. They noticed two injuries one on the c
head and another near his right eye and they were bleeding. Meanwhile
neighbours had gathered. Ninaji was then taken to Dr. Suresh Wagh (PW7).
According to the prosecution, Dr. Suresh Wagh-PW7 asked Ninaji as to what
had happened and the latter told him that accused Namdeo had assaulted him
with axe. Dr. Suresh Wagh gave one injection to Ninaji and asked Sopan to
take Ninaji to the hospital at Malkapur for better treatment. Sopan and his D
friends brought Ninaji to Malkapur in a jeep at about 6.30 a.m. in the following
-r morning at the hospital of Dr. Suhas Borle (PW3}, who advised to take Ninaji
to 'Advance Critical Center' at Malkapur and accordingly he was taken there.
Dr. Suhas Borle examined Ninaji and applied stitches to his wounds. However,
at about 8.00 a.m. on that day, Ninaji succumbed to the injuries in the hospital E
itself. At about 8. I 5 a.m., Dr. Suhas Borle sent report to police station,
Malkapur about the accidental death of Ninaji. A case was registered at
Malkapur police station being Accidental Death Case No. 24 of 2000. At
about 12.00 noon, PSI Diwakar Pedgaonkar (PWlO) and other police officers
came to Advance Critical Center, prepared inquest panchnama of the dead
~- _.J,- body ofNinaji and seized the quilt, kerchief from dead body and sent the dead F
body for autopsy. Then, complainant Sopan went to Malkapur rural police
station and gave oral infonnation which was reduced to writing and the same
was treated as complaint (Ex.38).

4. On the basis of the above report, offence vide Crime No. 94 of2000
was registered under Section 302 IPC. PSI Diwakar himself took over the
G
,.i, investigation of the case. He went to village Deodhaba, where the offence
was committed. He prepared sketch of scene of offence in presence of panchas.
He found the blood lying on the earth at the place and one wooden cot also.
One pillow stained with blood was on the cot. He collected samples of blood
H
944 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2007] 3 S.C.R.

A smeared earth and simple earth and attached the pillow and wooden cot under
the panchanama. He noticed that one electric bulb was near one room in that
house. It was tested and found operating. Supplementary statement of
-
complainant Sopan and of other witnesses were recorded. After completion
of investigation, charge sheet was submitted against the accused in the Court
B of Judicial Magistrate, Malkapur who committed the case to the Sessions
Court, Buldana.

5. The prosecution, in all, examined 10 witnesses in support of the case.
PW6-Sopan is the son of deceased Ninaji and a star witness. He is complainant '
also. He stated that he was sleeping in his house along with his wife on the
C night of October 25, 2000 after taking meal. His father slept on a wooden cot
(charpai) in the backyard of the house. At about 2.00 or 3.00 a.m., he heard
shouts of his father calling 'Bapa re Bapa re'. Immediately, he and his wife
rushed towards the backyard and saw that the accused Namdeo was assaulting
his father Ninaji with axe. He specifically stated that he and his wife witnessed
the incident in the light of electric lamp. Namdeo fled away from the place
D along with axe in his hand. Though the witness chased the accused, but he
disappeared in darkness. He further stated that PW8-Raju was behind him
when he was chasing the accused. After disappearance of accused, both of
them i.e., Sopan-PW6 and Raju-PW8, returned to his house. At that time,
Ninaji was saying that he was assaulted by the accused Namdeo. Ninaji was
E bleeding from the injuries sustained by him.

6. The evidence of PW6-Sopan was corroborated by PW8-Raju. He
stated that he is a neighbour of deceased Ninaji and his house is situated at
a distance of only 30 feet from the house of deceased Ninaji. He also stated
that house of accused Namdeo is situated at a distance of about 25 feet from
p his house. According to him, the relations between the accused Namdeo and
the deceased Ninaji were strained. Regarding the incident, he stated that he
was sleeping in the courtyard of his house on the day of the incident and
at about 3.00 a.m., he heard the shouts to the effect 'Bapa re Bapa re'; 'Namya
assaulted'. On hearing the shouts, he rushed to the house of Ninaji and saw
that accused Namdeo was coming out of the house ofNinaji and PW6-Sopan
G was following him i.e. running behind him. The witness also started running
behind Sopan. He deposed that he witnessed this in the electricity light.
According to him, there were two injuries on Ninaji, one on head and another
near right ear.

7. PW7-Dr. Suresh Wagh.stated that on inquiry, the injured (deceased)
H
--)
NAMDEO v. STATE OF MAHARASHTRA [C.K. THAKKER, J.]

Ninaji told him that it was the accused Namdeo who assaulted him with an
axe. The injuries sustained by Ninaji were duly proved by the evidence of
PW7-Dr. Suresh Wagh, PW3-Dr. Suhas Sopan Borle and PW4-Dr. Laxminarayan
945

A

Ashokchand Jaiswal who effected autopsy of dead body ofNinaji on October
26, 2000.

8. The trial Court, on the basis of the above evidence, held that it was
B
proved that Ninaji died of homicidal death. So far as the guilt of the accused
~
is concerned, the trial Court held that from the evidence of PW6-Sopan
_. (complainant), son of deceased, it was clear that he had witnessed the incident
in electric light. His evidence was corroborated by PW8-Raju who not only
heard the shout 'Bapa re Bapa re', 'Namya assaulted' but Ninaji also told the c
witness that it was the accused who caused him injuries. The Court also held
that when injured (deceased) was taken to the house of PW7-Dr. Suresh
Wagh, Ninaji informed the Doctor that it was the accused who had assaulted
him.
D
9. During the investigation, the axe was also recovered at the instance
of accused Namdeo by the Investigating Officer. The prosecution had examined
- )' PW9-Nivrutti Patil who was a panch witness. The accused had made a
statement that he had concealed the axe beneath the fodder of his cattle shed
and he would produce it. Memorandum of statement (Ex.44) was prepared and
the accused led the panch and PSI Diwakar to the cattle shed from where the E
axe stained with blood was found. PWIO-PSI Diwakar sent muddamal axe to
Chemical Analyzer, Nagpur which was found to have human blood. No blood
group, however, could be ascertained.

10. On the basis of the above evidence, the trial Court held that it was F
proved beyond reasonable doubt that it was accused and accused alone who
- J- had caused injuries to the deceased which resulted in his death. The accused
was, therefore, convicted for an offence punishable under Section 302 !PC
and was awarded imprisonment for life.

11. The appeal filed by the accused before the High Court was dismissed G
observing that the trial Court had not committed any error and the judgment
and order did not deserve interference. The said order is challenged before
A_
this Court.

12. We have heard learned counsel for the parties. H
946 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2007] 3 S.C.R.

A The learned counsel for the appellant contended that the entire case of
the prosecution is based on solitary testimony of eye witness Sopan, son of
the deceased. He is thus an 'interested' witness. In absence of any
corroboration, it would not be safe to place implicit reliance on his testimony
who could not have seen the assailant in the dark night. It was further
B contended that though several persons had come at the place of offence,
none was examined except Raju-PW8, who was also not an eye witness. It
was submitted that oral dying declaration said to have been made by the
deceased Ninaji either before PW8-Raju or PW7-Dr. Suresh Wagh cannot be
relied upon in the light of the fact that the injured was in critical condition •
and died within a short time. It was finally submitted that even if the case of
C the prosecution is believed, only a single blow was given by the accused and
the case would not be covered under Section 302 !PC but would fall under
Section 304, Part II IPC and the order of conviction and sentence requires to
be modified.

D 13. The learned advocate for the State supported the order of conviction
and sentence. According to him, both the Courts considered the evidence in
its proper perspective and no fault can be found when they held the accused
guilty. Regarding nature of offence, it was submitted that an axe blow was -1 -

administered on the vital part of the body i.e. head which resulted in death
E of the deceased which was rightly held to be a case of an offence of murder.
A prayer was therefore made to dismiss the appeal.

14. Having heard the learned counsel for the parties, in our opinion, no
interference is called for in exercise of power under Article 136 of the
Constitution. It is no doubt true that there is only one eye witness who is
F also a close relative of the deceased, viz. his son. But it is well-settled that
it is quality of evidence and not quantity of evidence which is material.
Quantity of evidence was never considered to be a test for deciding a criminal
trial and the emphasis of Courts is always on quality of evidence.

So far as legal position is concerned, it is found in the statutory
G provision in Section 134 of the Evidence Act, 1872; which reads;

134. Number of witnesses.-No particular number of witnesses
shall in any case be required for the proof of any fact.

15. Let us now consider few leading decisions on the point.
H
NAMDEO v. STATE OF MAHARASHTRA [C.K. THAKKER, J.] 947
-J Before more than six decades, in Mohamed Sugai Esa Mamasan Rer A
Ala/ah v. The King, AIR (1946) PC 3 : 222 IC 304 PC, one Mtogether with
his brother E caused murder of his half-brother A. The trial Court convicted
M and sentenced him to death acquitting his brother E. The conviction was
confirmed by the appellate Court. It was contended before the Privy Council
that the conviction was solely based on unswom evidence of a girl aged
B
about I 0-11 years. The trial Court found her competent to testify, but was of
the view that she was not able to understand the nature of an oath and,
j therefore, oath was not administered. It was contended by the accused that
;. no conviction could be recorded on a solitary witness and that too on an
unswom evidence of a tender-aged girl of I0-11 years without corroboration.
Considering the question raised before the Judicial Committee, leave was c
granted.

Their Lordships considered the legal position in England and in India.
It was held that such evidence is admissible under Indian Law "whether
corroborated or not". D
Lord Goddard, speaking for the Board stated:
- t-
" ... Once there is admissible evidence a Court can act upon it;
corroboration, unless required by statute, goes only to the weight and
value of the evidence. It is a sound rule in practice not to act on the E
uncorroborated evidence of a child, whether sworn or unswom, but
this is, a rule of prudence and not of Jaw. In a careful and satisfactory
judgment the Judge of the Protectorate Court shows that he was fully
alive to this rule and that he applied it, and their Lordships are in
agreement with him as to the matters he took into account as
F
corroborative of the girl's evidence."
- >--
In Vadivelu Thevar v. State ofMadras, (1957] SCR 981 : AIR (1957) SC
614, referring to Mahomed Sugai, this Court stated;

On a consideration of the relevant authorities and the provisions of G
the Indian Evidence Act, the following propositions may be safely
stated as firmly established :
i,
(I) As a general rule, a court can and may act on the testimony
of a single witness though uncorroborated. One credible witness
outweighs the testimony of a number of other witnesses of H
948 SUPREME COURT REPORTS (2007] 3 S.C.R.

A indifferent character. l-
(2) Unless corroboration is insisted upon by statute, courts
should not insist on corroboration except in cases where the
nature of the testimony of the single witness itself requires as
a rule of prudence, that corroboration should be insisted upon,
B for example in the case of a child witness, or of a witness whose
evidence is that of an accomplice or of an analogous character.
(3) Whether corroboration of the testimony of a single witness
is or is not necessary, must depend upon facts and circumstances ~
of each case and no general rule can be laid down in a matter
c like this and much depends upon the judicial discretion of the
Judge before whom the case comes.

Quoting Section 134 of the Evidence Act, their Lordships stated that
"we have no hesitation in holding that the contention that in a murder case,
the Court should insist upon plurality of witnesses, is much too broadly
D
stated."

The Court proceeded to state; ~ .

It is not seldom that a crime had been committed in the presence
E of only one witness, leaving aside those cases which are not of
uncommon occurrence, where determination of guilt depends entirely
on circumstantial evidence. If the Legislature were to insist upon
plurality of witnesses, cases where the testimony of a single witness
only could be available in proof of the crime, would go unpunished.
It is here that the discretion of the presiding judge comes into play.
F The matter thus must depend upon the circumstances of each case
and the quality of the evidence of the single witness whose testimony ~-
has to be either accepted or rejected. If such a testimony is found by
the court to be entirely reliable, there is no legal impediment to the
conviction of the accused person on such proof. Even as the guilt of
G an accused person may be proved by the testimony of a single
witness, the innocence of an accused person may be established on
the testimony of a single witness, even though a considerable number
of witnesses may be forthcoming to testify to the truth of the case l

for the prosecution.
H The Court also stated; •
NAMDEO v. STATE OF MAHARASHTRA [C.K. THAKKER, .I.] 949

There is another danger in insisting on plurality of witnesses. A
Irrespective of the quality of the oral evidence of a single witness, if
courts were to insist on plurality of witnesses in proof of any fact,
they will be indirectly encouraging subornation of witnesses. Situations
may arise and do arise where only a single person is available to give
evidence in support of a disputed fact. The court naturally has to
weigh carefully such a testimony and if it is satisfied that the evidence B
is reliable and free from all taints which tend to render oral testimony
> open to suspicion, it becomes its duty to act upon such testimony.
The law reports contain many precedents where the court had to
depend and act upon the testimony of a single witness in support of
the prosecution. There are exceptions to this rule, for example, in C
cases of sexual offences or of the testimony of an approver; both
these are cases in which the oral testimony is, by its very nature,
suspect, being that of a participator in crime. But, where there are no
such exceptional reasons operating, it becomes the duty of the court
to convict, if it is satisfied that the testimony of a single witness is
entirely reliable. D
- t 16. In the leading case of Shivaji Sahebrao Bobade v. State of
Maharashtra, (1973] 2 SCC 793, this Court held that even where a case hangs
on the evidence of a single eye witness it may be enough to sustain the
conviction given sterling testimony of a competent, honest man although as E
a rule of prudence courts call for corroboration. "It is a platitude to say that
witnesses have to be weighed and not counted since quality matters more
than quantity in human affairs."

In Anil Phukan v. State ofAssam, (1993] 3 SCC 282: JT (1993) 2 SC 290,
the Court observed; "Indeed, conviction can be based on the testimony of p
a single eye witness and there is no rule of law or evidence which says to
the contrary provided the sole witness passes the test of reliability. So long
as the single eye-witness is a wholly reliable witness the courts have no
difficulty in basing conviction on his testimony alone. However, where the
single eye witness is not found to be a wholly reliable witness, in the sense
that there are some circumstances which may show that he could have an G
interest in the prosecution, then the courts generally insist upon some
independent corroboration of his testimony, in material particulars, before
recording conviction. It• is only when the courts find that the single eye
witness is a wholly unreliable witness that his testimony is discarded in toto
and no amount of corroboration can cure that defect." H
950 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2007] 3 S.C.R.

A In Kartik Malhar v. State of Bihar, [1996] I SCC 614,: JT (1995) 8 SC
425, referring to several cases, this Court stated; "On a conspectus of these
decisions, it clearly comes out that there has been no departure from the
principles laid down in Vadivelu Thevar case and, therefore, conviction can
be recorded on the basis of the statement of a single eye witness provided
B his credibility is not shaken by any adverse circumstance appearing on the
record against him and the court, at the same time, is convinced that he is
a truthful witness. The court will not then insist on corroboration by any
other eye witness particularly as the incident might have occurred at a time
or place when there was no possibility of any other eye witness being
present. Indeed, the courts insist on the quality, and, not on the quantity of
C evidence."

In Chittar Lal v. State of Rajasthan, [2003) 6 SCC 397 : 1T (2003) 7 SC
270, this Court had an occasion to consider a similar question. In that case,
the sole testimony of a young boy of 15 years was relied upon for recording
an order of conviction. Following Mohamed Sugai and reiterating the law laid
D down therein, this Court stated:
"The legislative recognition of the fact that no particular number of I -
witnesses can be insisted upon is amply reflected in Section 134 of
the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 (in short 'Evidence Act'). Administration
of justice can be affected and hampered if number of witnesses were
E to be insisted upon. It is not seldom that a crime has been committed
in the presence of one witness, leaving aside those cases which are
not of unknown occurrence where determination of guilt depends
entirely on circumstantial evidence. If plurality of witnesses would
have been the legislative intent cases where the testimony of a single
F witness only could be available, in number of crimes offender would
have gone unpunished. It is the quality of evidence of the single
witness whose testimony has to be tested on the touchstone of
credibility and reliability. If the testimony is found to be reliable, there
is no legal impediment to convict the accused on such proof. It is
the quality and not the quantity of evidence which is necessary for
G proving or disproving a fact. "

(emphasis supplied)

Recently, in Bhimappa Chandappa v. State of Karnataka, [2006) 11
SCC 323, this Court held that testimony of a solitary witness can be made the
H
NAMDEO v. STATE OF MAHARASHTRA [C.K. THAKKER, J.] 951
basis of conviction. The credibility of the witness requires to be tested with A
reference to the quality of his evidence which must be free from blemish or
suspicion and must impress the Court as natural, wholly truthful and so
convincing that the Court has no hesitation in recording a conviction solely
on his uncorroborated testimony.

17. From the aforesaid discussion, it is clear that Indian legal system B
does not insist on plurality of witnesses. Neither the Legislature (Section 134,
Evidence Act, 1872) nor the judiciary mandates that there must be particular
number of witnesses to record an order of conviction against the accused.
Our legal system has always laid emphasis on value, weight and quality of
evidence rather than on quantity, multiplicity or plurality of witnesses. It C
is, therefore, open to a competent court to fully and completely rely on a
solitary witness and record conviction. Conversely, it may acquit the accused
in spite of testimony of several witnesses if it is not satisfied about the quality
of evidence. The bald contention that no conviction can be recorded in case
of a solitary eye witness, therefore, has no force and must be negatived.
D
18. It was then contended that the only eye witness-PW6-Sopan was
none other than the son of the deceased. He was, therefore, 'highly interested'
witness and his deposition should, therefore, be discarded as it has not been
corroborated in material particulars by other witnesses. We are unable to
uphold the contention. In our judgment, a witness who is a relative of the
deceased or victim of a crime cannot be characterised as 'interested'. The term E
'interested' postulates that the witness has some direct or indirect 'interest' in
having the accused somehow or other convicted due to animus or for some
other oblique motive.

19. Before more than half a century in Dalip Singh v. State of Punjab, F
(1954] SCR 145, : AIR (1953) SC 364, a similar question came up for
consideration before this Court. In that case, the High Court observed that
testimony of two eye witnesses required corroboration since they were closely
related to the deceased. Commenting on the approach of the High Court, this
Court held that it was 'unable to concur' with the said view. Referring to an

- earlier decision in Rameshwar Kalyan Singh v. State of Rajasthan, (1952] SCR G
377,: AIR (1952) SC 54, their Lordships observed that it was a fallacy common
to many criminal cases and in spite of endeavours to dispel, "it unfortunately
still persists, if not in the judgments of the courts, at any rate in the arguments
of counsel".
H
952 SUPREME COURT REPORTS (2007] 3 S.C.R.

A Speaking for the Court, Vivian Bose, J. stated: ~-
"A witness is normally to be considered independent unless he or she
springs from sources which are likely to be tainted and that usually
means unless the witness has cause, such as enmity against the
accused, to wish to implicate him falsely. Ordinarily, a close relative
B would be the last to screen the real culprit and falsely implicate an
innocent person. It is true, when feelings run high and there is personal
cause for enmity, that here is a tendency to drag in an innocent
person against whom a witness has a grudge along with the guilty,
>._
"
but foundation must be laid for such a criticism and the mere fact of
relationship far from being a foundation is often a sure guarantee
c of truth". ...
(emphasis supplied)

The Court, no doubt, uttered a word of caution:

D "However, we are not attempting any sweeping generalisation. Each
case must be judged on its own facts. Our observations are only made
to com bat what is so often put forward in cases before us as a general -I -

rule of prudence. There is no such general rule. Each case must be
limited to and be governed by its own facts''.
E (emphasis supplied)

In Darya Singh & Ors. v. State of Punjab, [1964] 3 SCR 397 : AIR (1965)
SC 328, this Court held that evidence of an eye witness who is a near relative
of the victim, should be closely scrutinized but no corroboration is necessary
for acceptance of his evidence
F
~ ~

Speaking for the Court, Gajendragadkar, J. (as His Lordship then was)
stated:

"There can be no doubt that in a murder case when evidence is given

G
by near relatives of the victim and the murder is alleged to have been
committed by the enemy of the family, criminal Courts must examine
the evidence of the interested witnesses, like the relatives of the
victim, very carefully. But a person may be interested in the victim,
l -
being his relation or otherwise, and may not necessarily be hostile to
the accused. In that case, the fact that the witness was related to the
H
NAMDEO v. STATE OF MAHARASHTRA [C.K. THAKKER, J.] 953
victim or was his friend, may not necessarily introduce any infirmity A
in his evidence. But where the witness is a close relation of the victim
and is shown to share the victim's hostility to his assailant, that
naturally makes it necessary for the criminal Court to examine the
evidence given by such witness very carefully and scrutinise all the
infirmities in that evidence before deciding to act upon it. In dealing B
with such evidence, Courts naturally begin with the enquiry as to
whether the said witnesses were chance witnesses or whether they
were really present on the scene of the offence. If the offence has
taken place as in the present case, in front of the house of the victim,
the fact that on hearing his shouts, his relations rushed out of the
house cannot be ruled out as being improbable, and so, the presence C
of the three eye-witnesses cannot be properly characterised as unlikely.
If the criminal Court is satisfied that the witness who is related to the
victim was not a chance-witness, then his evidence has to be examined
from the point of view of probabilities and the account given by him
as to the assault has to be carefully scrutinised. In doing so, it may
be relevant to remember that though the witness is hostile to the D
assailant, it is not likely that he would deliberately omit to name the
real assailant and substitute in his place the name of enemy of the
family out of malice. The desire to punish the victim would be so
powerful in his mind that he would unhesitatingly name the real
assailant and would not think of substituting in his place the enemy E
of the family though he was not concerned with the assault. It is not
improbable that in giving evidence, such a witness may name the real
assailant and may add other persons out of malice and enmity and
that is a factor which has to be borne in mind in appreciating the
evidence of interested witnesses. On principle, however, it is difficult
to accept the plea that if a witness is shown to be a relative of the F
deceased and it is also shown that he shared the hostility of the
victim towards the assailant, his evidence can never be accepted
unless it is corroborated on material particulars."

(emphasis supplied) G
In Dalbir Kaur (Mst.) v. State of Punjab, [1976] 4 SCC 158 : AIR (I 977)
SC 472, the accused killed his own father and real brother over a property
dispute. Eye-witnesses to the 'gruesome, brutal and unprovoked' double-
murder were near relatives of the deceased. It was, therefore, contended that
they were 'interested' witnesses and their evidence should not be accepted H
954 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2007] 3 S.C.R.

A for holding the appellants guilty.
Negativing the contention, upholding the order of conviction, and
referring to Dalip Singh, this Court stated;

"There can be no doubt that having regard to the fact that the
B incident took place at midnight inside the house of Ajaib Singh, the
only natural witnesses who could be present to see the assault would
be Jaswant Kaur and her mother Shiv Kaur. No outsider can be
expected to have come at that time because the attack by the appellants
was sudden. Moreover a close relative who is a very natural witness ,...
cannot be regarded as an interested witness. The term "interested"
c postulates that the person concerned must have some direct interest
in seeing that the accused person is somehow or the other convicted
either because he had some animus with the accused or for some
other reason. Such is not the case here. In the instant case there is
absolutely no evidence to indicate that either Jaswant Kaur or Shiv
D Kaur bore any animus against the accused."

In Kartik Malhar v. State of Bihar, [1996] I SCC 614, this Court
considered several leading cases on the point and said:

"On a conspectus of these decisions, it clearly comes out that there
has been no departure from the principles laid down in Vadivelyu
E
Thevar's case (supra) and, therefore, conviction can be recorded on
the basis of the statement of single eye witness provided his credibility
is not shaken by any adverse circumstances appearing on the record
against him and the Court, at the same time, is convinced that he is
a truthful witness. The Court will not then insist on corroboration by
F any other eye witness particularly as the incident might have occurred
at a time or place when there was no possibility of any other eye
witness being present. Indeed, the Courts insist on the quality, and,
not on the quantity of evidence". (emphasis supplied)

Recently, in Harbans Kaur v. State of Haryana, (2005] 9 SCC 195, the
G conviction of the accused was challenged in th is Court, inter alia, on the
ground that the prosecution version was based on testimony of relatives and
hence it did not inspire confidence.

Negativing the contention this Court said:

H
NAMDEO v. STATE OF MAHARASHTRA [C.K. THAKKER, J.] 955

-j "There is no proposition in law that relatives are to be treated as A
untruthful witnesses. On the contrary, reason has to be shown when
a plea of partiality is raised to show that the witnesses had reason to
shield actual culprit and falsely implicate the accused."

20, From the above case-law, it is clear that a close relative cannot be
characterised as an 'interested' witness. He is a 'natural' witness. His evidence, B
however, must be scrutinized carefully. If on such scrutiny, his evidence is
found to be intrinsically reliable, inherently probable and wholly trustworthy,
conviction can be based on the 'sole' testimony of such witness, Close
~'
relationship of witness with the deceased or victim is no ground to reject his
evidence. On the contrary, close relative of the deceased would normally be C
most reluctant to spare the real culprit and falsely implicate an innocent one.

2L In the present case, PW6-Sopan is the son of deceased Ninaji. The
incident took place at the residence of Ninaji as well as the witness (PW6-
Sopan). It was night time about 3.00 a.m, Obviously, therefore, his presence
in his own house was natural and he could not be said to be a 'chance D
witness'. PW6 was sleeping in his own room along with his wife and deceased
Ninaji was in the courtyard on his cot. That was also natural. There is
nothing unusual in his (PW6-Sopan) coming out of his room when his father
cried 'Bapa re Bapa re'. It was also normal behaviour on the part of the son
to chase the accused as he had seen the accused administering axe blow on
the head of his father. Unfortunately, however, due to darkness outside the E
house, the accused was successful in making his escape. The testimony of
PW6-Sopan appears to both the Courts to be trustworthy and reliable. In
addition, the Court also found further corroboration from the evidence of
PW8-Raju who could not strictly be said to be an eye witness but who saw
the accused coming out of the house of Ninaji with axe in his hand. He F
- )... referred to electric light in the courtyard where deceased N inaji was sleeping.
He also stated that Ninaji was saying that he was assaulted by Nanya, i.e.
accused Namdeo. Similar dying declaration was made by deceased Ninaji
before PW 7- Dr. Suresh Wagh as welL Medical evidence of PW7-Dr. Suresh
Wagh, PW3-Dr. Suhas Borle and PW4-Dr. Jaiswal further corroborates the
prosecution story and injuries sustained by Ninaji. It, therefore, cannot be G
said that the Courts below had committed an error in relying upon the sole
testimony of PW6-Sopan, particularly when it was corroborated in material
particulars with the testimony of PW8-Raju and three Doctors, The contention
raised by the accused, therefore, cannot be upheld,
H
956 SUPREME COURT REPORTS (2007] 3 S.C.R.

A 22. Finally, we are unable to uphold the argument of the learned counsel
for the appellant-accused that the case falls under Section 304, II !PC.
Considering the nature of weapon used by the accused (axe) and the vital part
of the body (head) of the deceased chosen by him, it was clear that the
intention of the accused was to cause death of Ninaji. PW 4 Dr. Jaiswal in
B his deposition stated that injury No. I was sufficient in the ordinary course
of nature to cause death of the victim. In the circumstances, both the Courts
were right in holding that the case was covered by Section 302 !PC.

23. For tne foregoing reasons, we see no infirmity in the orders passed
....
by the courts below. The appeal deserves to be dismissed and is accordingly
C dismissed. The order of conviction and sentence is hereby maintained.

BK Appeal dismissed.