Recently, a special CBI court convicted two policemen and awarded them life sentences for the custodial death of a murder accused who was burnt alive inside a police station. The judgment relied heavily on the ‘dying declaration’ made by the victim prior to his death.

What is the Dying Declaration?

• The Dying Declaration is the statement of a person who had died explaining the circumstances of his death.
• A dying declaration is consideredcredible and trustworthy evidence, based upon the general belief that most people who know that they are about to die, do not lie.
• Section 32 of the Indian Evidence Act deals with the cases related to that person who is dead or who cannot be found.
• Anyone can recordthe dying declaration of the deceased as per law. The law does not compulsorily require the presence of a Judicial or Executive Magistrate to record a dying declaration.
• A dying declaration can formthe sole basis of conviction. The rule requiring corroboration is merely a rule of prudence.

Source: What is a dying declaration, and when can it be set aside?