Supreme Court of India

Chandrappa v State of Karnataka

(2007) 4 SCC 41520071 min read
The case in brief30-second read
Facts
The trial court acquitted the accused. On the State's appeal, the High Court reversed the acquittal and convicted them.
Issue
What principles govern an appellate court hearing an appeal against acquittal.
Held
The appellate court has full power to review, reappreciate and reconsider the evidence on which the acquittal was founded. But an acquittal doubles the presumption of innocence, so where two reasonable conclusions are possible, the appellate court should not disturb the trial court's finding.
Principle
In appeals against acquittal, the appellate court may review all evidence but must respect the double presumption of innocence.
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Facts

  • The trial court acquitted the accused. On the State's appeal, the High Court reversed the acquittal and convicted them.

Issue

  1. What principles govern an appellate court hearing an appeal against acquittal.

Held

  • The appellate court has full power to review, reappreciate and reconsider the evidence on which the acquittal was founded. But an acquittal doubles the presumption of innocence, so where two reasonable conclusions are possible, the appellate court should not disturb the trial court's finding.

Cite this

Citation

Chandrappa v State of Karnataka (2007) 4 SCC 415

Reported: https://indiankanoon.org/doc/761643/. This is an educational summary, not the judgment itself. Cite the reported version in professional or academic work.