Correct option is A
Medical evidence, under the Indian Evidence Act, 1872, serves an important role in judicial proceedings, particularly in criminal cases involving injuries or deaths. However, its value is generally considered corroborative rather than conclusive. This means that while medical evidence can support and strengthen other evidence in a case, it does not independently establish the facts in question without being supplemented by additional testimony or evidence.
The role of medical evidence is to provide scientific and expert insight into the nature of injuries, the cause of death, or the presence of substances like drugs or alcohol in the body. However, Courts usually place more reliance on direct evidence from eyewitnesses and other forms of evidence, such as documentary evidence. The corroborative nature of medical evidence implies that it is used to confirm, support, or reinforce the evidence already presented by witnesses or other sources.
For instance, in cases of homicide, a post-mortem report detailing the cause of death is crucial but not necessarily sufficient to convict someone of murder. The prosecution must still establish the intent, the identity of the accused, and other elements of the crime through direct or circumstantial evidence. If medical evidence is contradicted by credible and trustworthy eyewitness testimony, courts often prefer the eyewitness account, as direct evidence typically holds more weight in legal proceedings.
Information Booster:
Corroborative Evidence: Corroborative evidence refers to additional evidence that supports or confirms the primary evidence presented in a case. It is not essential for proving the case on its own but helps to establish the credibility of other evidence. For example, if a witness testifies about seeing an assault, medical evidence showing the victim’s injuries consistent with the described assault can corroborate the witness’s testimony.
Medical evidence often plays this corroborative role. For instance, a medical examination report that confirms injuries consistent with a claimed assault can bolster the testimony of the victim or other witnesses. While it is scientifically objective, the interpretation of medical evidence still requires it to align with the overall narrative presented by other evidence in the case.
Additional Knowledge:
(b) Is Conclusive: Medical evidence is generally not conclusive on its own. Conclusive evidence is evidence that by itself establishes a fact or group of facts. For instance, if a person is seen committing a crime by multiple witnesses, this direct testimony can be considered conclusive. However, medical evidence, such as an autopsy report or a forensic analysis, usually requires correlation with other evidence, like eyewitness testimony or forensic evidence, to conclusively determine guilt or innocence.
(c) Is of No Assistance: This option is incorrect because medical evidence is indeed of assistance in many cases. It can provide crucial insights into the events that occurred, especially in cases involving physical injuries, poisoning, sexual assault, or death. While it may not be conclusive, it aids the court in understanding the medical aspects of a case, which can be vital for rendering a just verdict. For example, in a murder trial, medical evidence helps determine the cause of death, which can be critical in deciding whether the death was due to natural causes, an accident, or homicide.
(d) Is Conclusive Even if Contrary to Credible and Trustworthy Evidence of Eyewitness: This option is incorrect because if medical evidence contradicts credible and trustworthy eyewitness testimony, courts usually prioritize the eyewitness account. Eyewitness testimony, when given by a credible and reliable witness, can often outweigh medical evidence, particularly if the medical evidence is not definitive or if it leaves room for interpretation. Courts recognize that medical evidence can sometimes be inconclusive or subject to differing expert opinions, while direct eyewitness testimony can provide a clear and immediate account of events.
