In case of direct ocular evidence supported by the medical evidence, negligence of the IO is immaterial; SC.

Supreme Court of India

Justice MOHAN M. SHANTANAGOUDAR and Justice DEEPAK GUPTA

The SC {RAMJI SINGH & ORS. v.THE STATE OF UTTAR PRADESH} holds that even if the report of the ballistic experts have not been proved and all the bullets   recovered   from   the  spot   have   not   been   sent   to   the ballistic expert, the guns seized cannot be connected with the offence.  Even if that be true, the court cannot discredit the testimony of the eye­witnesses that two of the accused used guns.  The guns seized may or may not be the guns used.

It was held, when the ocular evidence is direct and clear in this regard, and this ocular evidence is fully supported by the medical evidence, the negligence of the investigation team cannot be used by the defence in support of their case.

Accordingly the conviction was upheld by the SC, while dismissing the appeal of the accused.