Supreme Court of India
PRAKASH NAYI @ SENversusSTATE OF GOA
- Citation
- 2023 INSC 24
- Decided
- 12 January 2023
- Disposal
- Appeal(s) allowed
Holding
The appellant was entitled to the benefit of Section 84 IPC as he was suffering from unsound mind (schizophrenia) at the time of the offence, and the conviction was set aside.
Summary
The appellant, Prakash Nayi, was convicted under Section 302 IPC for murdering a shop employee and appealed on the ground of insanity under Section 84 IPC. Medical evidence, including two doctors' reports, indicated that he suffered from chronic schizophrenia, a condition that rendered him incapable of understanding the nature of his act. The trial and High Courts rejected this evidence, focusing on the brutality of the act, and upheld the conviction. The Supreme Court held that the lower courts erred by not accepting the doctors' testimony, especially the one that withstood cross‑examination, and emphasized that the burden of proving insanity lies on the accused on a pre‑ponderance of probability basis. Recognizing that the appellant later became fit to stand trial, the Court concluded that he was legally insane at the time of the offence and acquitted him, setting aside the conviction and sentence.
Issues considered
- The appellant was legally insane at the time of the offence within the meaning of Section 84 IPC.
- Whether the burden of proof for the insanity defence is on the accused and the standard of proof required.
- Whether the trial and appellate courts erred in rejecting the medical evidence of schizophrenia.
- The relevance of the appellant's subsequent fitness to stand trial to the insanity defence.
Legislation cited
- Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973s. 328-339, s. 329, s. 330, s. 334
- Indian Evidence Act, 1872s. 105, s. 8
- Indian Penal Code, 1860s. 302, s. 84
Subjects
insanity defenceSection 84 IPClegal insanityburden of proofpre‑ponderance of probabilityschizophreniaunsound mindcriminal liabilityacquittal
Judgment
[2023] 1 S.C.R. 823 823
PRAKASH NAYI @ SEN A
v.
STATE OF GOA
(Criminal Appeal No. 2010 of 2010)
JANUARY 12, 2023 B
[B. R. GAVAI AND M. M. SUNDRESH, JJ.]
Penal Code, 1860 – ss. 302 and s.84 – Plea of Insanity –
“Schizophrenia” – Accused-appellant was convicted and sentenced
u/s. 302 IPC for having caused the death of the victim-deceased by
attacking him at a store in which the deceased was working, with C
an iron locking plate without any provocation and premeditation –
In the course of trial, the defence pleaded insanity – At one of the
hospitals where the accused was undergoing the treatment before
the date of incident, it was recorded that the accused was suffering
from anxiety neurosis with reactive depression and has symptoms of
acid peptic disease and mild hypertension and the treatment was D
akin to one meant for schizophrenia – Two doctors were examined
before the Sessions Court wherein they deposed positively pointing
towards schizophrenia – On trial, the Trial Court convicted the
accused of the said offence, and the Conviction was upheld by the
High Court – Aggrieved by the decision, the accused approached
Supreme Court – Held: The courts below erred in not accepting the E
reports of the doctors, more so when one of them withstood cross-
examination and hence the conviction could not be said to be well
founded – Further, the mere fact that the accused subsequently
became fit to face the trial is sufficient enough to render an order
of acquittal as it is indicative of his prior insanity – Also that both
the Trial Court and the High Court were influenced by the nature of F
the act while ignoring the condition of the appellant and the fact
that the burden on the accused is one of preponderance of
probability.
Penal Code, 1860 – s. 84 – Plea of Insanity – S.84 of the
Code recognized only the ‘acts’ which could not be termed as an
offence – For the said section to apply such an act must emanate G
from an unsound mind – Existence of an unsound mind is a sine qua
non to the applicability of the provision – A mere medical insanity
cannot be said to mean unsoundness of mind – There may be a case
where a person suffering from medical insanity would have
committed an act, however, the test is one of legal insanity to attract
the mandate of Section 84 of the IPC – There must be an H
823
824 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2023] 1 S.C.R.
A inability of a person in knowing the nature of the act or to
understand it to be either wrong or contrary to the law.
Maxims – Actus non reum facit nisi mens sit rea – Unsound
mind – A person of an unsound mind, who is incapable of knowing
the consequence of an act, does not know that such an act is right
or wrong. He may not even know that he has committed that act –
B When such is the position, he cannot be made to suffer punishment.
Evidence Act, 1872 – ss. 8, 105 – Section 105 of the Indian
Evidence Act, which places the burden of proving, has its exceptions
– Though, as a general principle, the onus is upon the person
accused to bring his case under the exception, dealing with the
case u/s. 84 of the IPC, one has to apply the concept of
C preponderance of probabilities – The aforesaid provision has to be
read along with Section 8 of the Indian Evidence Act.
Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 – Chapter XXV – ss. 329-
339 – Object and Purpose – The idea under the provisions to
facilitate a person of unsound mind to stand trial, not only because
of his reasoning capacity, but also to treat him as the one who is
D having a disability – The role of the Court is to find the remedial
measures and do complete justice.
Allowing the appeal, the Court
HELD : 1. Section 84 of the IPC recognizes only an act
which could not be termed as an offence. It starts with the words
E “nothing is an offence”. The said words are a clear indication of
the intendment behind this laudable provision. Such an act shall
emanate from an unsound mind. Therefore, the existence of an
unsound mind is a sine qua non to the applicability of the
provision. A mere unsound mind per se would not suffice, and it
should be to the extent of not knowing the nature of the act. Such
F a person is incapable of knowing the nature of the said act.
Similarly, he does not stand to reason as to whether an act
committed is either wrong or contrary to law. Needless to state,
the element of incapacity emerging from an unsound mind shall
be present at the time of commission. [Para 4][828-A-C]
2. The provision speaks about the act of a person of
G unsound mind. It is very broad provision relatable to the
incapacity, as aforesaid. The test is from the point of view of a
prudent man. Therefore, a mere medical insanity cannot be said
to mean unsoundness of mind. There may be a case where a
person suffering from medical insanity would have committed an
act, however, the test is one of legal insanity to attract the mandate
H
PRAKASH NAYI @ SEN v. STATE OF GOA 825
of Section 84 of the IPC. There must be an inability of a person in A
knowing the nature of the act or to understand it to be either
wrong or contrary to the law. The aforesaid provision is founded
on the maxim, actus non reum facit nisi mens sit rea, i.e., an act
does not constitute guilt unless done with a guilty intention. It is
a fundamental principle of criminal law that there has to be an
element of mens rea in forming guilt with intention. A person of B
an unsound mind, who is incapable of knowing the consequence
of an act, does not know that such an act is right or wrong. He
may not even know that he has committed that act. When such is
the position, he cannot be made to suffer punishment. This act
cannot be termed as a mental rebellion constituting a deviant
behaviour leading to a crime against society. He stands as a victim C
in need of help, and therefore, cannot be charged and tried for an
offence. His position is that of a child not knowing either his action
or the consequence of it. [Paras 5 and 6][828-C-G]
2. The burden of proof does lie on the accused to prove to
the satisfaction of the Court that one is insane while doing the
act prohibited by law. Such a burden gets discharged based on a D
prima facie case and reasonable materials produced on his behalf.
The extent of probability is one of preponderance. This is for the
reason that a person of unsound mind is not expected to prove
his insanity beyond a reasonable doubt. Secondly, it is the
collective responsibility of the person concerned, the Court and
the prosecution to decipher the proof qua insanity by not treating E
it as adversarial. Though a person is presumed to be sane, once
there are adequate materials available before the Court, the
presumption gets discharged. Section 105 of the Indian Evidence
Act, which places the burden of proving, has its exceptions.
Though, as a general principle, the onus is upon the person
accused to bring his case under the exception, dealing with the F
case under Section 84 of the IPC, one has to apply the concept of
preponderance of probabilities. The aforesaid provision has to
be read along with Section 8 of the Indian Evidence Act. The
better way to reconcile the aforesaid provision would be to have
a look into the behaviour and conduct before, during and after
the occurrence. [Paras 8 and 9][831-A-D] G
3. As Section 84 of the IPC has its laudable objective behind
it, the prosecution and the Court have their distinct roles to play.
The agency has to take up the investigation from the materials
produced on behalf of the person claiming unsoundness. It has
to satisfy itself that the case would not come within the purview
H
826 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2023] 1 S.C.R.
A of Section 84 of the IPC. The Court on its part has to satisfy itself
as to whether the act was done by a person with an unsound mind
within the rigour of Section 84 of the IPC. [Paras 10 and 11][831-
E-F]
4. Having noted the scope and ambit of Chapter XXV of
Cr.P.C., including the provisions incorporated by way of
B amendments in the year 2009, one has to take into account the
fact that the Court has a larger role to play while considering the
case under Section 84 of the IPC. If a friendly approach is required
to be followed during the trial, when adequate powers have been
conferred upon the Court to even discharge an accused on the
ground of an unsound mind, the same reasoning will have to be
C applied with much force when it comes to Section 84 of the IPC.
The whole idea under the provisions discussed is to facilitate a
person of unsound mind to stand trial, not only because of his
reasoning capacity, but also to treat him as the one who is having
a disability. The role of the Court is to find the remedial measures
and do complete justice. [Paras 17 and 16][835-B-D]
D Surendra Mishra v. State of Jharkhand (2011) 11 SCC
495 : [2011] 1 SCR 133; Hari Singh Gond v. State of
Madhya Pradesh (2008) 16 SCC 109 : [2008] 12
SCR 949; Bapu @ Gajraj Singh v. State of Rajasthan
2007 8 SCC 66 : [2007] 7 SCR 917; Dahyabhai
Chhaganbhai Thakkar v. State of Gujarat AIR 1964
E SC 1563 : [1964] 7 SCR 361; Devidas Loka Rathod v.
State of Maharashtra (2018) 7 SCC 718 : [2018] 7
SCR 767 – relied on.
Case Law Reference
[2011] 1 SCR 133 relied on Para 7
F [2008] 12 SCR 949 relied on Para 7
[2007] 7 SCR 917 relied on Para 7
[1964] 7 SCR 361 relied on Para 12
[2018] 7 SCR 767 relied on Para 14
CRIMINAL APPELLATE JURISDICTION : Criminal Appeal
G No.2010 of 2010.
From the Judgment and Order dated 02.06.2008 of the High Court
of Bombay Bench at Goa in CRLA No.63 of 2006.
Aftab Ali Khan, (SCLSC), M. Z. Chaudhary, Shahbaz, Arvind
Kr. Kanva, Sayyed Imtiyaz Ali, Ms. Amna Darakshan, Ali Safeer Farooqi,
Advs. for the Appellant.
H
PRAKASH NAYI @ SEN v. STATE OF GOA 827
The Judgment of the Court was delivered by A
M. M. SUNDRESH, J.
“Was’t Hamlet wronged Laertes? Never Hamlet. If
Hamlet from himself be ta’en away, And when he’s
not himself does wrong Laertes, Then Hamlet does
it not; Hamlet denies it. Who does it, then? His B
madness. if’t be so, Hamlet is of the faction that is
wronged; His madness is poor Hamlet’s enemy.”
-William Shakespeare
(Source : Hamlet, W.S. (Play) Act-5 Scene-2 Line-245) C
1. While acknowledging the hurt that he has caused to Laertes
for causing the death of his father, whom he murdered by way of a
mistaken identity, Hamlet pleads temporary madness. While pleading
so, he disassociates himself from the act as if it was done by a third
person and he was made to suffer the consequence. He thus pleads to D
treat him as a victim rather than an offender. Though the act of Hamlet
does constitute a culpable homicide coming within the definition of Section
300 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 an act of unsound mind would not
attract the same. Through these lines, Shakespeare brings out the agony
of a man having to justify his act of madness.
E
2. Raising the plea of insanity on the mandate of Section 84 of the
Indian Penal Code, 1860 (hereinafter ‘the IPC’), the appellant seeks
reversal of the order of conviction passed by the Division Bench of the
High Court of Bombay at Goa, confirming the order of the Additional
Sessions Judge, S.G. Margao-II. As we are dealing with the seminal
issue of applicability of Section 84 of the IPC and in the light of the focus F
made by the counsel for the appellant, we do not propose to go into the
merits.
3. We have heard Shri Aftab Ali Khan, the counsel appointed
from the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee.
SECTION 84 of The Indian Penal Code, 1860 G
“84. Act of a person of unsound mind. - Nothing is an offence
which is done by a person who, at the time of doing it, by reason
of unsoundness of mind, is incapable of knowing the nature of the
act, or that he is doing what is either wrong or contrary to law.”
H
828 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2023] 1 S.C.R.
A 4. Section 84 of the IPC recognizes only an act which could not
be termed as an offence. It starts with the words “nothing is an offence”.
The said words are a clear indication of the intendment behind this
laudable provision. Such an act shall emanate from an unsound mind.
Therefore, the existence of an unsound mind is a sine qua non to the
applicability of the provision. A mere unsound mind per se would not
B
suffice, and it should be to the extent of not knowing the nature of the
act. Such a person is incapable of knowing the nature of the said act.
Similarly, he does not stand to reason as to whether an act committed is
either wrong or contrary to law. Needless to state, the element of
incapacity emerging from an unsound mind shall be present at the time
C of commission.
5. The provision speaks about the act of a person of unsound
mind. It is a very broad provision relatable to the incapacity, as aforesaid.
The test is from the point of view of a prudent man. Therefore, a mere
medical insanity cannot be said to mean unsoundness of mind. There
D may be a case where a person suffering from medical insanity would
have committed an act, however, the test is one of legal insanity to
attract the mandate of Section 84 of the IPC. There must be an inability
of a person in knowing the nature of the act or to understand it to be
either wrong or contrary to the law.
E 6. The aforesaid provision is founded on the maxim, actus non
reum facit nisi mens sit rea, i.e., an act does not constitute guilt unless
done with a guilty intention. It is a fundamental principle of criminal law
that there has to be an element of mens rea in forming guilt with intention.
A person of an unsound mind, who is incapable of knowing the
consequence of an act, does not know that such an act is right or wrong.
F He may not even know that he has committed that act. When such is
the position, he cannot be made to suffer punishment. This act cannot
be termed as a mental rebellion constituting a deviant behaviour leading
to a crime against society. He stands as a victim in need of help, and
therefore, cannot be charged and tried for an offence. His position is
G that of a child not knowing either his action or the consequence of it.
7. We wish to place reliance on the following decisions of this
Court:
• Surendra Mishra v. State of Jharkhand (2011) 11
SCC 495
H
PRAKASH NAYI @ SEN v. STATE OF GOA 829
[M. M. SUNDRESH, J.]
“11. In our opinion, an accused who seeks exoneration from A
liability of an act under Section 84 of the Penal Code is to
prove legal insanity and not medical insanity. Expression
“unsoundness of mind” has not been defined in the Penal
Code and it has mainly been treated as equivalent to insanity.
But the term “insanity” carries different meaning in different
B
contexts and describes varying degrees of mental disorder.
Every person who is suffering from mental disease is not
ipso facto exempted from criminal liability. The mere fact
that the accused is conceited, odd, irascible and his brain is
not quite all right, or that the physical and mental ailments
from which he suffered had rendered his intellect weak C
and affected his emotions or indulges in certain unusual
acts, or had fits of insanity at short intervals or that he was
subject to epileptic fits and there was abnormal behaviour
or the behaviour is queer are not sufficient to attract the
application of Section 84 of the Penal Code.”
D
• Hari Singh Gond v. State of Madhya Pradesh (2008)
16 SCC 109
“10. “7 . Section 84 lays down the legal test of responsibility
in cases of alleged unsoundness of mind. There, is no
definition of “unsoundness of mind” in the IPC. The courts E
have, however, mainly treated this expression as equivalent
to insanity. But the term ‘insanity’ itself has no precise
definition. It is a term used to describe varying degrees of
mental disorder. So, every person, who is mentally diseased,
is not ipso facto exempted from criminal responsibility. A
distinction is to be made between legal insanity and medical F
insanity. A court is concerned with legal insanity, and not
with medical insanity...”
• Bapu @ Gajraj Singh v. State of Rajasthan 2007 8
SCC 66
G
“10. Section 84 embodies the fundamental maxim of criminal
law i.e. actus non reum facit nisi mens sit rea (an act
does not constitute guilt unless done with a guilty intention).
In order to constitute an offence, the intent and act must
concur; but in the case of insane persons, no culpability is
H
830 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2023] 1 S.C.R.
A fastened on them as they have no free will (furios is nulla
voluntas est).
11. The section itself provides that the benefit is available
only after it is proved that at the time of committing the act,
the accused was labouring under such a defect of reason,
B from disease of the mind, as not to know the nature and
quality of the act he was doing, or that even if he did not
know it, it was either wrong or contrary to law then this
section must be applied. The crucial point of time for
deciding whether the benefit of this section should be given
or not, is the material time when the offence takes place.
C In coming to that conclusion, the relevant circumstances
are to be taken into consideration, it would be dangerous to
admit the defence of insanity upon arguments derived
merely from the character of the crime. It is only
unsoundness of mind which naturally impairs the cognitive
D faculties of the mind that can form a ground of exemption
from criminal responsibility. Stephen in History of the
Criminal Law of England, Vol. II, p. 166 has observed
that if a person cut off the head of a sleeping man because
it would be great fun to see him looking for it when he
woke up, would obviously be a case where the perpetrator
E of the act would be incapable of knowing the physical
effects of his act. The law recognizes nothing but incapacity
to realise the nature of the act and presumes that where a
man’s mind or his faculties of ratiocination are sufficiently
dim to apprehend what he is doing, he must always be
F presumed to intend the consequence of the action he
takes…”
Section 105 of the Indian Evidence Act 1872
“105. Burden of proving that case of accused comes
within exceptions. —When a person is accused of any
G offence, the burden of proving the existence of
circumstances bringing the case within any of the General
Exceptions in the Indian Penal Code, (45 of 1860), or within
any special exception or proviso contained in any other part
of the same Code, or in any law defining the offence, is
upon him, and the Court shall presume the absence of such
H circumstances.”
PRAKASH NAYI @ SEN v. STATE OF GOA 831
[M. M. SUNDRESH, J.]
8. The burden of proof does lie on the accused to prove to the A
satisfaction of the Court that one is insane while doing the act prohibited
by law. Such a burden gets discharged based on a prima facie case and
reasonable materials produced on his behalf. The extent of probability is
one of preponderance. This is for the reason that a person of unsound
mind is not expected to prove his insanity beyond a reasonable doubt.
B
Secondly, it is the collective responsibility of the person concerned, the
Court and the prosecution to decipher the proof qua insanity by not
treating it as adversarial. Though a person is presumed to be sane, once
there are adequate materials available before the Court, the presumption
gets discharged.
9. Section 105 of the Indian Evidence Act, which places the burden C
of proving, has its exceptions. Though, as a general principle, the onus is
upon the person accused to bring his case under the exception, dealing
with the case under Section 84 of the IPC, one has to apply the concept
of preponderance of probabilities. The aforesaid provision has to be read
along with Section 8 of the Indian Evidence Act. The better way to D
reconcile the aforesaid provision would be to have a look into the
behaviour and conduct before, during and after the occurrence.
10. As Section 84 of the IPC has its laudable objective behind it,
the prosecution and the Court have their distinct roles to play. The agency
has to take up the investigation from the materials produced on behalf of E
the person claiming unsoundness. It has to satisfy itself that the case
would not come within the purview of Section 84 of the IPC.
11. The Court on its part has to satisfy itself as to whether the act
was done by a person with an unsound mind within the rigour of Section
84 of the IPC. F
12. We wish to place reliance on the classical decision of this
Court in Dahyabhai Chhaganbhai Thakkar v. State of Gujarat (AIR
1964 SC 1563), wherein the Court held that:
“(7) The doctrine of burden of proof in the context of the plea of
insanity may be stated in the following propositions: G
(1) The prosecution must prove beyond reasonable doubt that the
accused had committed the offence with the requisite mens rea;
and the burden of proving that always rests on the prosecution
from the beginning to the end of the trial.
H
832 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2023] 1 S.C.R.
A (2) There is a rebuttable presumption that the accused was not
insane, when he committed the crime, in the sense laid down by
Section 84 of the Indian Penal Code: the accused may rebut it by
placing before the court all the relevant evidence oral, documentary
or circumstantial, but the burden of proof upon him is no higher
than that rests upon a party to civil proceedings.
B
(3) Even if the accused was not able to establish conclusively that
he was insane at the time he committed the offence, the evidence
placed before the court by the accused or by the prosecution may
raise a reasonable doubt in the mind of the court as regards one
or more of the ingredients of the offence, including mens rea of
C the accused and in that case the court would be entitled to acquit
the accused on the ground that the general burden of proof resting
on the prosecution was not discharged.”
13. This Court in the case of Bapu (supra) has held that:
D “8. …The onus of proving unsoundness of mind is on the accused.
But where during the investigation previous history of insanity is
revealed, it is the duty of an honest investigator to subject the
accused to a medical examination and place that evidence before
the court and if this is not done, it creates a serious infirmity in the
prosecution case and the benefit of doubt has to be given to the
E accused. The onus, however, has to be discharged by producing
evidence as to the conduct of the accused shortly prior to the
offence and his conduct at the time or immediately afterwards,
also by evidence of his mental condition and other relevant factors.
xxx xxx xxx
F
12. Mere abnormality of mind or partial delusion, irresistible impulse
or compulsive behaviour of a psychopath affords no protection
under Section 84 as the law contained in that section is still squarely
based on the outdated M’Naughton rules of 19th century England.
The provisions of Section 84 are in substance the same as those
G laid down in the answers of the Judges to the questions put to
them by the House of Lords, in M’Naughton’s case [(1843) 4 St
Tr NS 847 (HL)]. Behaviour, antecedent, attendant and subsequent
to the event, may be relevant in finding the mental condition of the
accused at the time of the event, but not that remote in time. It is
difficult to prove the precise state of the offender’s mind at the
H
PRAKASH NAYI @ SEN v. STATE OF GOA 833
[M. M. SUNDRESH, J.]
time of the commission of the offence, but some indication thereof A
is often furnished by the conduct of the offender while committing
it or immediately after the commission of the offence. A lucid
interval of an insane person is not merely a cessation of the violent
symptoms of the disorder, but a restoration of the faculties of the
mind sufficiently to enable the person soundly to judge the act;
B
but the expression does not necessarily mean complete or perfect
restoration of the mental faculties to their original condition. So, if
there is such a restoration, the person concerned can do the act
with such reason, memory and judgment as to make it a legal act;
but merely a cessation of the violent symptoms of the disorder is
not sufficient.” C
14. This Court in a recent decision in Devidas Loka Rathod v.
State of Maharashtra (2018) 7 SCC 718, has held that:
“11. Section 84 IPC carves out an exception, that an act will not
be an offence, if done by a person, who at the time of doing the
same, by reason of unsoundness of mind, is incapable of knowing D
the nature of the act, or what he is doing is either wrong or contrary
to law. But this onus on the accused, under Section 105 of the
Evidence Act is not as stringent as on the prosecution to be
established beyond all reasonable doubts. The accused has only
to establish his defence on a preponderance of probability, as E
observed in Surendra Mishra v. State of Jharkhand (2011) 11
SCC 495 : (2011) 3 SCC (Cri) 232, after which the onus shall shift
on the prosecution to establish the inapplicability of the exception.
But, it is not every and any plea of unsoundness of mind that will
suffice. The standard of test to be applied shall be of legal insanity
and not medical insanity, as observed in State of Rajasthan v. F
Shera Ram (2012) 1 SCC 602 : (2012) 1 SCC (Cri) 406, as follows:
(Shera Ram, SCC p. 614, para 19)
“19…Once, a person is found to be suffering from mental
disorder or mental deficiency, which takes within its ambit
hallucinations, dementia, loss of memory and self-control, G
at all relevant times by way of appropriate documentary
and oral evidence, the person concerned would be entitled
to seek resort to the general exceptions from criminal
liability.”
H
834 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2023] 1 S.C.R.
A 12. The crucial point of time for considering the defence plea of
unsoundness of mind has to be with regard to the mental state of
the accused at the time the offence was committed collated from
evidence of conduct which preceded, attended and followed the
crime as observed in Ratan Lal v. State of M.P. (1970) 3 SCC
533 : 1971 SCC (Cri) 139, as follows: (SCC pp. 533-34, para 2)
B
“2. It is now well settled that the crucial point of time at
which unsoundness of mind should be established is the
time when the crime is actually committed and the burden
of proving this lies on the accused. In Dahyabhai
Chhaganbhai Thakkar v. State of Gujarat (1964) 7 SCR
C 361 : AIR 1964 SC 1563, it was laid down that ‘there is a
rebuttable presumption that the accused was not insane.
when he committed the crime, in the sense laid down by
Section 84 of the Penal Code, the accused may rebut it by
placing before the court all the relevant evidence- oral,
D documentary or circumstantial, but the burden of proof upon
him is no higher than that which rests upon a party to civil
proceedings’.”
13. If from the materials placed on record, a reasonable doubt is
created in the mind of the Court with regard to the mental condition
E of the accused at the time of occurrence, he shall be entitled to
the benefit of the reasonable doubt and consequent acquittal, as
observed in Vijayee Singh v. State of U.P. (1990) 3 SCC 190 :
1990 SCC (Cri) 378.”
CHAPTER XXV OF THE CODE OF CRIMINAL
F PROCEDURE 1973
15. Chapter XXV of the Code of Criminal Procedure 1973
(hereinafter ‘Cr.P.C.’), though procedural in nature, also becomes
substantive when it deals with an accused person of unsound mind. A
well-laid procedure is contemplated under Sections 328 to 339 of Cr.P.C.
G There is not even a need for an application under Section 329 of Cr.P.C.
in finding out as to whether an accused would be sound enough to stand
a trial, rather it is the mandatory duty of the Court. Under Section 330,
the Court can even go to the extent of discharging such a person if his
inability to stand trial continues with a rigid chance of improvement. As
per Section 334 of Cr.P.C., the judgment of the Court shall include a
H
PRAKASH NAYI @ SEN v. STATE OF GOA 835
[M. M. SUNDRESH, J.]
specific finding that the act was committed due to unsoundness of mind, A
though it was actually done. The reason is simple as there cannot be an
acquittal on the ground of unsoundness of mind unless the act is actually
done.
16. The whole idea under the provisions discussed is to facilitate
a person of unsound mind to stand trial, not only because of his reasoning B
capacity, but also to treat him as the one who is having a disability. The
role of the Court is to find the remedial measures and do complete justice.
17. Having noted the scope and ambit of Chapter XXV of Cr.P.C.,
including the provisions incorporated by way of amendments in the year
2009, one has to take into account the fact that the Court has a larger C
role to play while considering the case under Section 84 of the IPC. If a
friendly approach is required to be followed during the trial, when
adequate powers have been conferred upon the Court to even discharge
an accused on the ground of an unsound mind, the same reasoning will
have to be applied with much force when it comes to Section 84 of the
IPC. D
18. We find adequate materials on the assessment and evaluation
of legal and medical insanity, which are totally different from each other.
We shall furnish the following relevant material on medical jurisprudence:
Jaisingh P. Modi, A Textbook on Medical Jurisprudence E
and Toxicology, 26th Edn. 2018, pg. 938
“Ascertainment of Mental Illness: Clinical assessment and
Questions that would require to be addressed. -Forensic
psychiatry attempts to help Courts determine the mental condition
of the accused to determine whether the person could have
F
intended to commit the crime and whether he is in a fit state to
stand the trial. Medical insanity and legal insanity are not
necessarily congruent. A mental illness that requires institutional
care or administration of therapeutic care for medical insanity
may not still be sufficient insulate the person from consequences
of a criminal act and punishment if s/he is not legally insane. The G
assessment shall be to elicit such information as the law qualifies
the general exception for proof of culpability under Section 84 of
IPC. Is the accused mentally unsound? Is the mental unsoundness
such that s/he is not capable of knowing (i) the nature of act; or
(ii) the act is wrong, or (iii) contrary to law? These questions are
H
836 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2023] 1 S.C.R.
A directly related to testing the requirement of law. Is s/he capable
of understanding the nature of proceedings in Court and stand
trial? This shall be necessary to ensure that he has sufficient ability
to consult with is counsel instruct him for a fair trial and defence.
Every accused is bound to know the nature of proceedings against
him/her. What was the mental condition of the accused, when the
B
crime took place? Is it likely that the accused is malingering mental
illness? The answers will point out to fixing the criminal
responsibility to the acts attributed to him/her. Post-trial care may
issue questions like: What is prognosis for cure for the mental
illness? Will s/he be dangerous not to be let at large? In many a
C foreign jurisdiction, the questions may vary depending on the nature
of proof of insanity and its intensity that is relevant under law to
appraise criminal responsibility for the act: Could there have been
an irresistible impulse to commit the act charged with? Was the
mental condition so severe that s/he had no capacity to control
his/her behaviour? Was s/he under any form of delusion to inflict
D
the criminal assault to fend off falsely perceived personal harm or
injury?
The evaluation process.-The evaluation process generally
includes, broadly, three major components or sources of data: (a)
an interview with the accused (b) forensic assessment instruments,
E and (c) third party information including (but by no means limited
to) collateral reports, witness statements, victim statements, police
reports, and records of various sorts (i.e., mental health, treatment,
school, medical, crime scene, etc.). Along with these sources, the
role of delusions in evaluations of criminal responsibility (as the
F nature and quality of the accused ‘delusionality’) is often central
in determining the extent of impairment in mental state at the time
of the offence, especially in contested cases that may have a
bearing on limiting responsibility if not completely exonerating him
from the offence charged with. The role of the expert is not to
present legal conclusions or formal psychopathological diagnoses.
G Rather, the role of examiner, as expert, is to import state of-the-
art/science knowledge about the existence of various
psychopathological conditions and their relationship to various
behavioural, perceptual, cognitive and judgmental capacities into
the legal/moral decisional process.”
H
PRAKASH NAYI @ SEN v. STATE OF GOA 837
[M. M. SUNDRESH, J.]
SCHIZOPHRENIA A
19. Now, we shall come to the mental illness caused by
Schizophrenia. We do not wish to go into the said issue as it being one
within the exclusive knowledge of the experts, except to quote the relevant
text available:
• Jaisingh P. Modi, a textbook on Medical B
Jurisprudence and Toxicology, 26th Edn. 2018, pg.
922
“(ii) Schizophrenia. - Kraepelin (Emil Kraepelin, German
psychiatrist.), in 1896, named this disease as ‘dementia
praecox’. In 1911, Eugen Bleuler (Paul Eugen Bleuler, Swiss C
psychiatrist and Eugenicist.) introduced the term
‘schizophrenia’ which literally means disintegration of mind.
The term dementia praecox was changed because it implied
that the disease always ended in dementia, which it did not.
The term praecox meant that the disease developed at the
D
time of puberty or adolescence, but in many cases developed
outside that period. Since it was thought that the disease
always ended in dementia, it meant a hopeless prognosis,
which created a spirit of defeatism in the minds of people.”
• Elizabeth A. Martin (2007), “Oxford Concise Medical
Dictionary (7th edition)”, pg. 642 E
“Schizophrenia n. a severe *mental illness characterised
by a disintegration of the process of thinking, of contact
with reality, and of emotional responsiveness. Positive
symptoms, such as *delusions and *hallucinations
(especially of voices), are common, and any *Schneiderian F
first-rank symptoms are particularly indicative of the illness.
Negative symptoms include social withdrawal, impairment
of ego boundaries, and loss of energy and initiative.
Schizophrenia is diagnosed only if symptoms persist for at
least one month. The illness can spontaneously remit, run a G
course with infrequent or frequent relapses, or become
chronic. The prognosis has improved with *anti-psychotic
drugs and with vigorous psychological and social
management and rehabilitation. The many causes include
genetic factors, environmental stress, and possibly illicit drug
use.” H
838 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2023] 1 S.C.R.
A • American Psychiatric Association 2013, Diagnostic
and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders : DSM-5,
5th Edn, American Psychiatric Association,
Washington DC. pg. 87
“Schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders
B include schizophrenia, other psychotic disorders, and
schizotypal (personality) disorder. They are defined by
abnormalities in one or more of the following five domains:
delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thinking (speech),
grossly disorganized or abnormal motor behavior (including
catatonia), and negative symptoms.”
C
20. We thus, appreciate that Schizophrenia is certainly an over-
powering mental illness.
FACTS AND ANALYSIS
21. The case of the prosecution is that the appellant attacked the
D deceased at a store in which he was working, which belonged to the
brother of his grandfather, who did not have any issue. There was no
motive and the overt act attributed is that he assaulted the deceased
with an iron locking plate without any provocation and premeditation.
The occurrence took place on 14.05.2004 at 6:00 a.m. It was seen by
E PW2. He took the material object and came out of the shop and went to
the bus stand. Thereafter, he came back to the shop and left it there. He
once again walked to the bus stand and was sitting on a chair. He neither
moved away from the said place nor made any attempt to leave.
22. A treatment was indeed given to him at the GMC Hospital,
F Bhiwani in the State of Haryana prior to the occurrence. He was taken
as an in-patient for a period from 17.11.2003 till 26.11.2003. He was
suffering from anxiety neurosis with reactive depression and had
symptoms of acid peptic disease and mild hypertension. The treatment
given to him was akin to one meant for schizophrenia. Accordingly, he
was prescribed the medicine ‘Thioril’.
G
23. Before the Court of Sessions, an application under Section
329 of Cr.P.C. was filed on behalf of the appellant. Even while considering
the application for bail, the Court noticed the inability of the appellant to
understand the ongoing proceedings. Two doctors were examined as
AWs 1 and 2, for the fact that he was indeed suffering from schizophrenia.
H AW2 was examined to show that he was taking the treatment earlier at
PRAKASH NAYI @ SEN v. STATE OF GOA 839
[M. M. SUNDRESH, J.]
GMC Hospital at Bhiwani. AW1 is the doctor who examined him after A
the occurrence on the orders of the trial court. She had deposed that he
was indeed suffering from chronic schizophrenia. She was further
examined as DW1. She once again made a clear deposition in tune with
the certificate issued by her earlier that he was suffering from
schizophrenia, and it must have been from the age of 14 or 15 years.
B
The fact that he was unable to understand the act committed, and his
subsequent incarceration was taken note of. While issuing the first
certificate, this Government doctor in clear terms had stated that the
appellant was not fit enough to stand the trial. However, she gave another
certificate after treating him as an in-patient to the effect that he could
stand trial thereafter. C
24. The Court of Sessions and the High Court rendered the
conviction on merits. The plea of insanity was also taken. It was
accordingly rejected on the ground that PW6, the brother of the
grandfather of the appellant, did not find any abnormality and that his
mother has not been examined. Further, PW10 being the doctor who D
physically examined the accused after the incident, stated that the accused
was mentally well.
25. However, the evidence of the Government doctor who deposed
as AW1 and DW1 was brushed aside, so also the evidence of DW2,
who was the uncle of the accused, and clearly spoke about the earlier E
treatment received by the accused. The evidence of AW2 was not even
taken note of. The conduct, though subsequent, of the appellant, was
ignored.
26. Before this Court, a report was called for from the District
and Sessions Judge, Bhiwani as the medicine prescription and other F
documents could not be deciphered, and there was no discussion on the
prior treatment given. We are of the view, that the aforesaid exercise
would not have been warranted, had the evidence of AW2, which could
be deciphered from the records furnished before us, been brought to the
notice of the Court. In the report, it was stated that it could not be
confirmed that the appellant was suffering from schizophrenia. We may G
note that the statements of the doctors were recorded after 16 years of
the occurrence. In fact, they had also found it difficult to remember the
nature of the treatment given to the appellant. In any case, that is a
material which actually will go in favour of the appellant as the factum
H
840 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2023] 1 S.C.R.
A of treatment is not in dispute, particularly when it is corroborated by the
evidence of AW2 on more than one occasion.
27. We may also add that this report merely records the statements
of the doctors who have not been examined before the Court. Suffice it
to say, that the evidence of the Government doctor as DW1 who
B withstood cross-examination ought to have been accepted. The mere
fact that the appellant subsequently became fit to face the trial is sufficient
enough to render an order of acquittal as it is indicative of his prior
insanity. We do feel that both the Trial Court and the High Court were
influenced by the nature of the act while ignoring the condition of the
appellant and the fact that the burden on the accused is one of
C preponderance of probability. We have also been informed that the
appellant has recovered fully and mixed well with the society.
28. For the aforesaid reasons, we are unable to give our imprimatur
to the conviction rendered against the appellant as he is certainly entitled
to the benefit conferred under Section 84 of the IPC.
D
29. The order dated 25.07.2006 of the trial court of conviction
and sentence of the appellant punishable under Section 302 of the IPC
and the judgment and order dated 02.06.2008 of the High Court affirming
the same are set aside.
E 30. The appellant is acquitted of all the charges charged with.
The bail bonds of the accused shall stand discharged. Pending
application(s), if any, shall stand disposed of.
Ankit Gyan Appeal allowed.
(Assisted by : Mahendra Yadav, LCRA)
F
G
H
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