Appellate courts must not disturb a plausible acquittal absent perversity or illegality.

The State sought leave under Section 378(3) of the Code of Criminal Procedure to appeal the respondent’s acquittal of an offence under Section 304-A of the Indian Penal Code.

The prosecution alleged that, on 5 March 2015, an Innova car driven by the respondent collided with a truck near Aashirwad Dhaba, causing the death of Dr. Ajay Khare.

After trial, the JMFC, Sehore acquitted the respondent, finding that the prosecution had not proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.

The State challenged the acquittal, alleging that the trial court had disregarded the prosecution evidence.

Whether the trial court’s acquittal disclosed perversity, manifest illegality, or misappreciation of evidence warranting appellate interference

Whether the State had made out a case for leave to appeal against the acquittal under Section 378(3) CrPC

Section 378(3) CrPC requires leave of the High Court to appeal an acquittal.

In an appeal against acquittal, the accused’s presumption of innocence is reinforced by the acquittal; where the trial court has adopted a possible and plausible view supported by the evidence, an appellate court should not interfere merely because another view is possible.

Interference requires a compelling circumstance or substantial infirmity in the trial court’s findings.

The High Court independently considered the record and the trial court’s findings, particularly those in paragraphs 18 and 19 of the trial judgment.

It concluded that the trial court had considered the prosecution evidence and given cogent and plausible reasons for acquittal.

The findings were supported by the record and disclosed no manifest illegality, perversity, or misreading of material evidence.

Applying the reinforced-presumption principle, the Court held that the trial court’s view was a possible and legally sustainable one, and that no sufficient basis for appellate interference had been shown.

The application was dismissed as devoid of merit.