Delay in examining child witness residing with maternal relatives necessitates corroboration and caution to exclude tutoring.

The Appellant, an Indian Army soldier, was convicted of murdering his wife, Ganga, by smothering and subsequently setting her body on fire on April 23, 1997.

The prosecution’s case primarily relied on the testimony of the couple's three-year-old son (PW-4), the sole eye-witness, whose statement was recorded four months after the incident.

Initial reports suggested suicide, but the post-mortem report later opined the cause of death as "asphyxia caused by smothering" and noted that the burn injuries were post-mortem.

The Trial Court convicted the Appellant under Sections 302 and 498-A of the IPC.

Whether the testimony of a three-year-old child witness, recorded after a significant delay while in the custody of maternal relatives, is sufficient for conviction without independent corroboration.

Whether the prosecution proved the charges under Section 302 and Section 498-A of the IPC beyond reasonable doubt.

Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code (Punishment for murder).

Section 498-A of the Indian Penal Code (Husband or relative of husband of a woman subjecting her to cruelty).

The court must exercise great caution while relying on the evidence of a child witness as they are susceptible to tutoring.

The court's reasoning on how a law applied to the facts.

Explanation of the court's interpretation.

The final order or relief granted by the court.