Case Summary: Mukesh v. State for NCT of Delhi (Nirbhaya Case)
Background of the Case
This case pertains to the brutal gangrape and murder of a 23-year-old paramedical student (known as 'Nirbhaya') on 16 December 2012 in Delhi. The victim was attacked by six men in a moving bus. She and her male friend were assaulted, robbed, and thrown from the vehicle. The incident sparked nationwide protests and reforms in rape laws.
[Judgment Source] https://www.courtkutchehry.com/Judgement/Search/AdvancedV2?docid=1199997
Law Points Raised
1. Admissibility and evidentiary value of electronic evidence under Section 65-B of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872.
2. Reliability of medical and forensic evidence including dying declaration.
3. Constitutionality and fairness of investigation and trial amidst media and public pressure.
4. Standard for awarding capital punishment in rarest of rare cases.
Ratio Decidendi
The Court emphasized that the medical evidence, dying declaration, DNA analysis, and testimonies of key witnesses established the guilt of the accused beyond doubt.
The brutality of the act and the depravity shown by the convicts qualified the case as the 'rarest of rare', justifying capital punishment.
Final Ruling
The Supreme Court upheld the conviction and death sentence awarded to the appellants (Mukesh and others). The Court held that the crime was barbaric,
inhuman, and shook the conscience of the nation. The sentence of death was confirmed for all adult accused.
Relevant Paragraph Numbers
- Incident and narrative: ¶1–6
- Legal and evidentiary evaluation: ¶7 onwards
- Dying declaration and investigation: ¶80–120 (approx.)
- Consideration for rarest of rare doctrine: ¶418–430
- Final decision and sentence confirmation: ¶431–444