Seven-Year Trial Ends in Acquittal of CNS Chief as Court Finds No Evidence Beyond Reasonable Doubt

Srinagar, April 23, KNT: A Srinagar court has acquitted news agency CNS Editor-in-Chief Rasheed Rahi, bringing to a close a seven-year criminal case after finding that the prosecution failed to prove its allegations.

The Court of Additional Sessions Judge Srinagar held that the case did not meet the standard of proof required in criminal law and extended the benefit of doubt to the accused.

The case stemmed from a 2018 FIR registered at Police Station Kothibagh under Section 505(II) RPC, in connection with a news article published by the Current News Service popularly known as CNS that was alleged to be against the national interest. The police later filed a chargesheet before the court.

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In a detailed 15-page judgment, the court found that the prosecution failed to support its case with credible evidence. It noted that four witnesses were examined during the trial, but none corroborated the allegations.

“The prosecution has not been able to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt against the accused person. As such, by extending the benefit of doubt, the accused is acquitted of the charges,” the court said.

The court also identified key procedural lapses in the handling of electronic evidence. It held that the screenshots relied upon by the prosecution were inadmissible due to non-compliance with Section 65B of the Indian Evidence Act.

“In the absence of a certificate under Section 65B of the Indian Evidence Act, electronic material is inadmissible in evidence,” the court observed.

Rasheed Rahi was represented by Advocate Saleem Yousuf, who argued the case before the court. [KNT]

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