In a criminal trial, Rajesh is accused of theft. During investigation, the police recover a stolen laptop from a location frequented by Rajesh. His fingerprints are found on the laptop. According to the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023, how should the court interpret this evidence?
Explanation & Strategy
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Recovery of stolen property and fingerprints are circumstantial evidence — they create suspicion and support the prosecution's case but cannot alone establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt. The Supreme Court has consistently held (Sharad Birdhichand Sarda case) that circumstantial evidence must form a complete chain where each link is proved beyond reasonable doubt, and the cumulative effect must be inconsistent with innocence. Fingerprints on a laptop at a location Rajesh frequented could have innocent explanations.