Question:
The ``Panchsheel'' of circumstantial evidence implies that
The ``Panchsheel'' of circumstantial evidence implies that
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The Panchsheel of Circumstantial Evidence requires that the circumstances should form a complete chain leading only to the guilt of the accused and should exclude every reasonable possibility of innocence.
Updated On: Jul 9, 2026
- At least five eyewitnesses must be present to secure a conviction.
- The chain of evidence must be complete and inconsistent with any hypothesis of innocence.
- The judge must use five different statutes to interpret the evidence.
- Only five types of physical evidence are admissible in court.
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The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
Concept:
The ``Panchsheel'' of circumstantial evidence refers to the five principles laid down by the Supreme Court for convicting an accused solely on circumstantial evidence. These principles require that the chain of circumstances must be complete and should exclude every reasonable hypothesis except the guilt of the accused.
Step 1: Recall the Panchsheel principles.
The circumstances proved must form a complete chain leading only to the conclusion of the accused's guilt and must be inconsistent with any reasonable hypothesis of innocence.
Step 2: Analyse the options.
• At least five eyewitnesses must be present -- Incorrect.
• The chain of evidence must be complete and inconsistent with any hypothesis of innocence -- Correct.
• The judge must use five different statutes -- Incorrect.
• Only five types of physical evidence are admissible -- Incorrect.
Step 3: Final conclusion.
Hence, the Panchsheel of circumstantial evidence implies that \[ \boxed{\text{The chain of evidence must be complete and inconsistent with any hypothesis of innocence}.} \]
The circumstances proved must form a complete chain leading only to the conclusion of the accused's guilt and must be inconsistent with any reasonable hypothesis of innocence.
Step 2: Analyse the options.
• At least five eyewitnesses must be present -- Incorrect.
• The chain of evidence must be complete and inconsistent with any hypothesis of innocence -- Correct.
• The judge must use five different statutes -- Incorrect.
• Only five types of physical evidence are admissible -- Incorrect.
Step 3: Final conclusion.
Hence, the Panchsheel of circumstantial evidence implies that \[ \boxed{\text{The chain of evidence must be complete and inconsistent with any hypothesis of innocence}.} \]
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