Uncorroborated testimony hostile witnesses interested defence witnesses insufficient rebutting trustworthy dying declaration

The testimony of hostile prosecution witnesses or interested defence witnesses cannot be relied upon to overturn a well-substantiated conviction unless corroborated by independent, cogent, and reliable evidence on record. Statements made by hostile witnesses attempting to set up a defense theory of self-immolation or alibi, especially when unsupported by early police disclosures or direct knowledge, lack probative value. Furthermore, post-incident conduct such as sustaining minor burn injuries while attempting to extinguish flames does not automatically exonerate an accused where a voluntary dying declaration directly attributes the overt act of setting the victim on fire. (State of Himachal Pradesh v. Chaman Lal | 2026 INSC 57)