The Supreme Court recently delivered a critical assessment of the police investigation into the notorious Nithari killings, highlighting significant procedural errors, negligence, and delays that compromised the search for truth in this high-profile case. The court expressed deep regret that, despite extensive inquiries, the identity of the true perpetrator could not be definitively established, underscoring the standards of proof needed in legal proceedings. In its ruling, the court stated that the criminal justice system cannot rely on conjecture or suspicion, no matter how severe the alleged crimes may be.
In its judgment, the Bench, including Chief Justice BR Gavai, Justice Surya Kant, and Justice Vikram Nath, overturned Surendra Koli's last remaining conviction, emphasizing the principle that a person cannot be convicted without admissible and reliable evidence, irrespective of the gravity of the offense. The court lamented the extensive distress caused to victims' families due to the failure to thoroughly investigate and secure crucial evidence.
Justice Nath's authored judgment pointed out numerous failures of the investigative authorities, including the inability to secure the crime scene prior to excavation and a lack of comprehensive documentation of key witness statements. Moreover, it noted the troubling fact that irregularities in the procedural framework directly undermined the credibility of the case against Koli.
Forensic evidence, which is pivotal for substantiating criminal cases, was also neglected in this instance. The court noted that essential post-mortem materials and forensic evidence were improperly handled and preserved, limiting the investigation’s efficacy. Furthermore, certain key witnesses in the vicinity were not adequately interrogated, and potentially critical leads were disregarded altogether.
The Supreme Court's ruling underscored the broader implications of investigative shortcomings, affirming the necessity for police and investigative bodies to adhere closely to constitutional requirements to avoid miscarriages of justice. The court reaffirmed its faith in the capabilities of these agencies while insisting that strict compliance with legal protocols is essential when dealing with serious offenses.
The Nithari killings, which surfaced in 2006 due to the grisly discovery of human remains in Noida, involved shocking allegations of abduction, sexual assault, and murder, leading to the arrest of businessman Moninder Singh Pandher and his aide Surendra Koli. Koli had previously been sentenced to death in one of the cases, a verdict upheld by the Supreme Court. However, in a notable turn of events in 2023, both Koli and Pandher were acquitted in 12 other related cases due to findings of unreliable prosecution evidence, prompting Koli to file a curative petition against his previous conviction.
In conclusion, the Supreme Court's ruling reflected a commitment to uphold the integrity of the legal process, emphasizing that when evidence fails to meet legal standards, convictions—even in cases involving heinous crimes—must be overturned.