Restoration of acquittal and release directions

The Supreme Court found no reason to uphold the High Court’s convictions. It reversed the High Court judgment. It restored the Trial Court’s order acquitting the accused. The appeals were allowed. If the appellants remained in custody, they were to be released forthwith unless required in another case. If already released on bail, their bail bonds were to stand cancelled. Pending applications, if any, were disposed of. The result followed from the failure to prove a complete chain of circumstances. (Bernard Lyngdoh Phawa v. The State of Meghalaya | 2026 INSC 85)