'Minors Are Prone To Tutoring', Child Witness's Competency Not Assessed — Murder Convicts Acquitted: Supreme Court

The Supreme Court recently overturned the conviction of 11 individuals who were found guilty of murder. A critical factor in their conviction was the testimony of a 10-year-old child witness. However, the Court observed that the mandatory Section 118 of the Evidence Act procedure to assess the child’s competency as a witness was not followed. This procedural lapse weakened the prosecution’s case significantly. Importance of Section 118 of the Evidence…