Opinion of Handwriting Experts Holds High Evidentiary Value

Ram Narain vs. State of Uttar Pradesh (05.04.2026 - SC) : MANU/SC/0153/1973

Case Note:

Criminal - expert opinion - Sections 384 and 511 of Indian Penal Code, 1860 - appeal challenging conviction under Sections 384 and 511 - appellant convicted on basis of opinion of hand-writing expert that letters claiming ransom written in hand-writing of appellant - dispute relates to legality and propriety of appellant’s conviction on uncorroborated testimony of hand-writing expert - unless some serious infirmity or grave failure of justice is shown Court would normally refrain from re-appraising matter on appeal by special leave - Sessions Judge on appeal after referring to comparison of disputed and specimen writings by Trial Court himself compared writings with help of expert’s opinion - disputed hand-writings tally with specimen hand-writing - no ground made out for interfering with appellants conviction - conviction upheld.