Beyond reasonable doubt
What is Beyond Reasonable Doubt?
Beyond reasonable doubt is the standard of proof used in criminal cases. It means that the prosecution must establish the guilt of the accused beyond any reasonable doubt or hesitation in the minds of the judge. This standard emphasises that there should be no reasonable alternative explanation or possibility other than the accused person's guilt based on the evidence presented. It is recognised that absolute certainty is not always possible in legal proceedings. Still, it requires the prosecution to prove its case to such an extent that any doubts that may arise should not be reasonable or logical. The doubt must be substantial, real, and not based on conjecture or speculation.
Official Definition of ‘Beyond Reasonable Doubt’
Section 3 of the Indian Evidence Act establishes the standard of proof required in criminal cases. It states that “a fact is said to be proved when, after considering the matters before it, the Court either believes it to exist or considers its existence so probable that a prudent man ought, under the circumstances of the particular case, to act upon the supposition that it exists."[1]
In the case of Ramakant Rai vs Madan Rai And Ors. the Supreme Court of India held that “Person has a profound right not to be convicted of an offence which is not established by the evidential standard of proof beyond a reasonable doubt. Doubts would be called reasonable if they are free from a zest for abstract speculation. The law cannot afford any favourite other than the truth. To constitute reasonable doubt, it must be free from an overemotional response. Doubts must be actual and substantial doubts as to the guilt of the accused persons arising from the evidence or the lack of it, as opposed to mere vague apprehensions. A reasonable doubt is not an imaginary, trivial or merely possible doubt; but a fair doubt based upon reason and common sense. It must grow out of the evidence in the case.”[2]
The Malimath Committee report, the committee was established to review India's criminal justice system and make reform recommendations and examined various aspects of the criminal justice system, including the investigation process, trial procedures, and sentencing guidelines, and recommended that “beyond reasonable doubt” is not an absolute principle of universal application and deviations can be made by the legislature. Deviations can take different forms such as shifting the burden of proof to the prosecution or prescribing a standard of proof lower than “beyond reasonable doubt”. As long as the accused has the opportunity to adduce evidence to nullify the adverse effect such deviation will not offend Article 14 or 21 of the Constitution.” The recommendations of this committee have not been implemented.
International Experiences
In the UK, the principle of “beyond reasonable doubt” was stated in Woolmington v DPP[3] “Juries are always told that, if conviction there is to be, the prosecution must prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt. This statement cannot mean that to be acquitted the prisoner must “satisfy” the jury.”
In Canada, the expression “beyond a reasonable doubt” requires clarification for the benefit of the jury. The leading decision is R. v. Lifchus[4], where the Supreme Court discussed the proper elements of a charge to the jury on the concept of “reasonable doubt” and noted that “[t]he correct explanation of the requisite burden of proof is essential to ensure a fair criminal trial.”
The US Supreme Court held that “the Due Process clause protects the accused against conviction except upon proof beyond a reasonable doubt of every fact necessary to constitute the crime charged.”
Way Ahead
There is a lack of any fixed standard or formula by which the reasonability, which a judge has to apply in a case, be calculated which results in the accused getting out by way of creating minor doubts before the judges. There has to be a standard followed in criminal proceedings as stated by the Supreme Court “Proof beyond a reasonable doubt is a guideline, not a fetish and guilty man cannot get away with it because truth suffers some infirmity when projected through human processes.”
Also Known As
- Proof beyond reasonable doubt
