Supreme Court bench acquits Neelam Kumari in infant murder appeal, August 2025.
SC ACQUITS NEELAM KUMARI IN INFANT MURDER CASE
CASE SUMMARY – In Neelam Kumari vs. State of Himachal Pradesh (Criminal Appeal No. 582 of 2013), the Supreme Court examined the conviction of Neelam Kumari for the alleged murder of her infant son. The prosecution relied on extra-judicial confessions and circumstantial evidence, claiming she strangled the child with a dupatta. The Court held that confessions were inconsistent, uncorroborated, and weak, while circumstantial evidence lacked a complete chain. Medical testimony and recovery of the alleged weapon were inconclusive, and no credible motive was established. On 20 August 2025, the Court acquitted Neelam Kumari, setting aside her conviction under Section 302 IPC.
| ASPECTS | DETAILS |
| Case Title | Neelam Kumari vs. State of Himachal Pradesh |
| Introduction | The Supreme Court of India decided an appeal challenging the conviction of Neelam Kumari for murdering her infant son under Section 302 IPC. |
| Factual Background | Neelam Kumari was the second wife of Nikku Ram. Their infant son was found dead with strangulation marks. Prosecution alleged she killed him with a dupatta; defense claimed alternative circumstances and family hostility. |
| Legal Issues |
|
| Applicable Law |
|
| Analysis | SC noted confessions were weak, inconsistent, and uncorroborated. Circumstantial evidence was inconclusive, medical timeline inconsistent, dupatta not properly linked, and no motive established. |
| Conclusion | Prosecution failed to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt. Extra-judicial confession unreliable; circumstantial evidence incomplete. |
| Current Scenario | Supreme Court acquitted Neelam Kumari on 20 August 2025, setting aside her conviction and life sentence. |
“Extra-judicial confession is a weak piece of evidence and cannot solely sustain a conviction.”
SOURCE – SUPREME COURT OF INDIA
READ ALSO – Section 302 IPC (Murder)
