Gravity of Offence Cannot Overweigh Legal Proof

State of Gujarat Vs Hasmukhbhai @ Harshadbhai Dahyabhai Makwana (Gujarat High Court) Present complaint is filed merely on suspicion and doubt. Suspicion, however strong, cannot take the place of proof, the Hon’ble Supreme Court has said, stressing that an accused is presumed to be innocent unless proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. No doubt the alleged offence is a shocking one but the gravity of the offence cannot by itself overweigh as far as legal proof is concerned. It may not be necessary to refer to other decisions of this Court except to bear in mind a caution that in cases pen...