Nyayaneeti Proposition
Nyayaneeti Proposition
presents
Trial Advocacy Competition
2025
NYAYANEETI: BEYOND
REASONABLE DOUBT
PROPOSITION
Symbiosis Law School, Nagpur
A Constituent of Symbiosis International (DEEMED UNIVERSITY), Pune
Re-accredited by NAAC with "A++" Grade Awarded Category - I by UGC
TABLE OF INDEX
Note:
1. For the purpose of this competition, the prosecution and defense will fight only for prosecuting
and defending Accused 2, respectively.
2. All the laws, rules, regulations, bye-laws etc. of the State of Mahanagar are in pari-materia with
laws of Maharashtra and India.
3. The teams are not allowed to produce anything beyond this proposition.
1
Symbiosis Law School, Nagpur
A Constituent of Symbiosis International (DEEMED UNIVERSITY), Pune
Re-accredited by NAAC with "A++" Grade Awarded Category - I by UGC
State of Mahanagar
v.
Vinod and 2 ors1
Statement of Facts
1. Vinod, Abhay, and Sushil (Accused 1, 2, and 3 respectively) are close friends residing in
the village of Pehelwanpur and were often seen together. Dinkar was also a resident of the
same village and a neighbour of Vinod. There was a dispute between the families of Vinod
and Dinkar over a common boundary wall. There used to be constant quarrel between the
family members of Vinod and Dinkar.
2. On the evening of 15th August 2025, around 7 pm, a verbal altercation erupted between
Vinod and Dinkar in front of the Kirana Shop of Premchand. The quarrel turned ugly with
tempers flaring and death threats being hurled by both Vinod and Dinkar, where Vinod was
heard shouting towards Dinkar, “You have been a thorn in our side for too long, I’m going
to finish you once and for all”. Similarly, Dinkar was heard shouting to Vinod, “How will
you finish me when I am going to take care of you long before that?”.
3. The members of the public intervened in the quarrel and calmed both parties down, after
which both parties left their own way. At around 10 pm Vinod, Abhay, and Sushil
congregated in an abandoned building on the opposite lane of the shop of Premchand. The
accused sat in the said abandoned building and started drinking. They stayed there for some
time.
4. Around 10:30 pm, Dinkar came to Premchand’s shop to buy some tomatoes, bhel, onions,
and a knife. Without much conversation, he proceeded on the highway towards Namwar
Dam (Hereinafter referred to as Dam), which is 10 km away, and is a renowned spot for
drunkards. The accused also proceeded towards the same dam in tow with Dinkar.
5. At about 3:30 am on 16/08/2025, the police received an anonymous call that a dead body
had been found near the Dam. The police reached the spot of the incident at around 4 am
and noticed the body of Dinkar in a supine position, with a stab wound on his chest and
multiple abrasion wounds on his body.
6. The accused were arrested on 17/08/2025 during the course of an investigation by the police.
1
This proposition is drafted by Adv. Ghanshyam D. Dani, Partner at Dani & Associates. Any attempt to reach out and/or
communicate with the proposition framer by any participant, directly or indirectly, in connection with the trial advocacy competition
will lead to immediate disqualification.
2
Symbiosis Law School, Nagpur
A Constituent of Symbiosis International (DEEMED UNIVERSITY), Pune
Re-accredited by NAAC with "A++" Grade Awarded Category - I by UGC
2 Arms Act 4, 25
3.
(a) Occurrence of Offence:
Day:
Date From: 15/08/2025
Date To: 16/08/2025
Time Period:
Time From: 11:00 PM
Time To: 7:30 AM
3
Symbiosis Law School, Nagpur
A Constituent of Symbiosis International (DEEMED UNIVERSITY), Pune
Re-accredited by NAAC with "A++" Grade Awarded Category - I by UGC
6. Complainant / Informant:
Name: Radheshyam
7. Details of known / suspected / unknown / accused with full particulars: Unknown
11. Inquest Report /U.D. Case No., if any: Inquest conducted and forwarded to District
Gene
12. F.I.R. Contents: I, PSI Radheshyam, am attached to police station Pehelwanpur, state as
follows: On 16/08/25, at around 3:30 am, we received an anonymous information on the
police station landline that a dead body was lying in an open field near the Namwar Dam,
at the spot where drunkards usually congregate to drink alcohol. I, along with Police
Constable Shyam and Ram, proceeded in a government-issued police vehicle to the spot, and
after conducting a search, we discovered a dead body with a visible stab wound on the chest.
We conducted spot Panchnama and inquest of the body. Thereafter the body was handed
over to Police Constable Ram to be taken to the District General Hospital for Post
Mortem Examination.
Police Constable Shyam and I returned to the police station and consequently I am now
giving my report regarding the said incident.
13. Action taken: Since the above report reveals commission of offence (s) u/s as
mentioned at Item No. 2,
1. Registered the case and took up the investigation
2. Directed (Name of the I.O): Radheshyam
Rank: Police Sub Inspector
to take up the investigation
3. Transferred to P.S.
District on point of jurisdiction. NA
4
Symbiosis Law School, Nagpur
A Constituent of Symbiosis International (DEEMED UNIVERSITY), Pune
Re-accredited by NAAC with "A++" Grade Awarded Category - I by UGC
SD/-
Signature of the Officer-in-charge, Police Station
Name: Azad Khan Farzan
Rank: Police Head Constable
5
Symbiosis Law School, Nagpur
A Constituent of Symbiosis International (DEEMED UNIVERSITY), Pune
Re-accredited by NAAC with "A++" Grade Awarded Category - I by UGC
INQUEST REPORT
(Under Section 194 BNSS, 2023)
To,
The Medical Officer,
District General Hospital,
From: Police Sub Inspector, Police Station Pehelwanpur
6
Symbiosis Law School, Nagpur
A Constituent of Symbiosis International (DEEMED UNIVERSITY), Pune
Re-accredited by NAAC with "A++" Grade Awarded Category - I by UGC
7
Symbiosis Law School, Nagpur
A Constituent of Symbiosis International (DEEMED UNIVERSITY), Pune
Re-accredited by NAAC with "A++" Grade Awarded Category - I by UGC
Body Handed over to Police Constable Ram for carrying to District General Hospital for
Conducting Post Mortem
8
Symbiosis Law School, Nagpur
A Constituent of Symbiosis International (DEEMED UNIVERSITY), Pune
Re-accredited by NAAC with "A++" Grade Awarded Category - I by UGC
SPOT PANCHNAMA
Date: 16/08/2025
Upon reaching the vicinity of the spot at about 03:55 am, two nearby residents who were
present in the locality were requested to act as Panch witnesses for preparation of the spot
panchanama. They voluntarily consented. Their particulars are as under:
9
Symbiosis Law School, Nagpur
A Constituent of Symbiosis International (DEEMED UNIVERSITY), Pune
Re-accredited by NAAC with "A++" Grade Awarded Category - I by UGC
The following rough hand-drawn map of the scene is prepared and incorporated
herein to accurately indicate the relative position of the body and surrounding feature:
The observations recorded in this panchanama were read over aloud to the panch witnesses
who admitted the same to be correctly recorded.
Signatures:
10
Symbiosis Law School, Nagpur
A Constituent of Symbiosis International (DEEMED UNIVERSITY), Pune
Re-accredited by NAAC with "A++" Grade Awarded Category - I by UGC
To,
With reference to the above letter I am sending the report about weapon received in packed, sealed
envelope, labelled as Mal No. 1/2025
Joint Type: Fixed: Handle fixed with blade with three metallic screw
Signature: SD/-
11
Symbiosis Law School, Nagpur
A Constituent of Symbiosis International (DEEMED UNIVERSITY), Pune
Re-accredited by NAAC with "A++" Grade Awarded Category - I by UGC
With reference to the above letter I am sending the report about weapon received in packed, sealed
envelope, labelled as Mal No. 2/2025 Brought By Police Constable Ram
Kind of Weapon: Sharp cutting weapon, commonly used in kitchen, with edge only on one side.
Length: 8 inches
Breadth: 2 inches
Thickness: 0.2 cm on the side with edge and 0.5 cm on the blunt side
Tip: Sharp
12
Symbiosis Law School, Nagpur
A Constituent of Symbiosis International (DEEMED UNIVERSITY), Pune
Re-accredited by NAAC with "A++" Grade Awarded Category - I by UGC
Opinion: Stab Injury with internal Damage mention in Column No. 17 is possible
by above examined weapon.
Signature: SD/-
13
Symbiosis Law School, Nagpur
A Constituent of Symbiosis International (DEEMED UNIVERSITY), Pune
Re-accredited by NAAC with "A++" Grade Awarded Category - I by UGC
POSTMORTEM REPORT
II. External
Sex, apparent age, race Male, 37 years
Examination
Black shirt, blue jeans, black
Clothes
undergarment
Shirt torn at back, jeans torn
7. Condition of clothes at glutes, soiled with blood
stains
8. Special marks on the skin such as scars, Nil
tattooing etc., any malformations
peculiarities, or other marks of
identification. State of the teeth.
14
Symbiosis Law School, Nagpur
A Constituent of Symbiosis International (DEEMED UNIVERSITY), Pune
Re-accredited by NAAC with "A++" Grade Awarded Category - I by UGC
15
Symbiosis Law School, Nagpur
A Constituent of Symbiosis International (DEEMED UNIVERSITY), Pune
Re-accredited by NAAC with "A++" Grade Awarded Category - I by UGC
Can you say definitely that the injuries shown Injury at Sr. No. 1 is ante-
against serial nos. 17 and 18 are ante mortem mortem. Injuries at Sr. No. 2-5
injuries? are post mortem
III. Internal
18. Head:
Examination
Injuries under the scalp and their nature No abnormal injuries noted
Skull – Vault and base Skull and vault intact
Brain No abnormal injuries noted
16
Symbiosis Law School, Nagpur
A Constituent of Symbiosis International (DEEMED UNIVERSITY), Pune
Re-accredited by NAAC with "A++" Grade Awarded Category - I by UGC
17
Symbiosis Law School, Nagpur
A Constituent of Symbiosis International (DEEMED UNIVERSITY), Pune
Re-accredited by NAAC with "A++" Grade Awarded Category - I by UGC
If yes, which of the injuries were individually Injury No. 1 of Point 17 &
22(b). sufficient in the ordinary course of nature to cause
corresponding internal injury
death
Opinion on cause of death Drowning
Point 17:
1. Incised wound, 5 inches deep, 2 inches long, 0.4 cm wide, elliptical, clean regular edges
2. Abrasion wound 9 inches in length and 5 inches in width on each buttock
3. Abrasion wound 11 inches in length and 3 inches in width present on both sides of lower back.
Abrasion wound 3 inches in length & 5 inches in width present on both sides of upper back.
18
Symbiosis Law School, Nagpur
A Constituent of Symbiosis International (DEEMED UNIVERSITY), Pune
Re-accredited by NAAC with "A++" Grade Awarded Category - I by UGC
SEIZURE REPORT
(Under Section 23(2) of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023)
Upon the intention shown by Abhay to confess to the crime and help in seizure of murder
weapon, I, PSI Radheshyam called two respectable persons, i.e. Mukesh & Sukesh from the
vicinity of the Police Station to act as panchas on 19/08/2025 at about 3 pm.
Confessional Statement
I, Abhay, do hereby disclose out of my own free will and without coercion as under:
On 15/08/2025 Vinod met me and Sushil around 10 pm and we started drinking opposite the
shop of Premchand. Vinod was ranting about his quarrel with Dinkar. After some time, we saw
Dinkar proceeding towards Namwar Dam. Vinod proposed to end his quarrel with the deceased
once and for all by killing him. We were all a little drunk and riled up, so I, Vinod and Sushil
followed Dinkar to the dam, and after the other drunkards left from the dam, we cornered Dinkar
where I held Dinkar at knife point, and Vinod by using the knife that he always carries, stabbed
Dinkar in the chest. Thereafter, we all ran towards our motorbike. I saw Vinod throw his knife
on the way and in a panic I also threw the knife before reaching our bike. I am ready to show
you the spot where I threw the knife if you follow me.
Seizure Panchnama
As per the statement of the Abhay, I, the undersigned, Radheshyam, Police Sub-Inspector at
Pehelwanpur Police Station, along with Police Constables Ram and Shyam, the driver of the
police vehicle Abdul and the two panchas i.e., Mukesh & Sukesh proceeded in the police issued
vehicle to Namwar Dam as per the directions provided by Abhay. Upon reaching the Dam,
Abhay showed the spot where the accused persons stabbed the Dinkar. Thereafter, Abhay took
us Eastward from the place of murder, and about 30 feet away Abhay pointed at the knife that
was laying on the ground. Abhay picked up the said knife and confirmed that it is the same
knife that was used by him to hold Dinkar at knife point.
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Symbiosis Law School, Nagpur
A Constituent of Symbiosis International (DEEMED UNIVERSITY), Pune
Re-accredited by NAAC with "A++" Grade Awarded Category - I by UGC
. SEIZURE REPORT
(Under Section 23(2) of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023)
Upon the intention shown by the Vinod to confess to the crime and help in seizure of murder
weapon, I PSI Radheshyam called two respectable persons, i.e. Mukesh & Sukesh from the
vicinity of the Police Station to act as panchas on 18/08/2025 at about 3 pm.
Confessional Statement
I, Vinod do hereby disclose out of my own free will and without coercion as under:
On 15/08/2025 I had a quarrel with the deceased over the long standing dispute regarding the
common boundary wall of our house. I was very angry at the deceased so I met with my friends
Abhay & Sushil and proceeded to drink with them and rant about my grievance with Dinkar.
After some time we saw Dinkar proceeding towards Namwar Dam and I, Abhay and Sushil
hatched the plan to finally kill Dinkar and solve my problems once and for all. Accordingly, I,
Abhay and Sushil followed Dinkar to Namwar Dam and after the other drunkards left from the
dam we cornered Dinkar and by using the knife that I always carry, I stabbed Dinkar in the
chest. In a panic, I threw the knife close to where we killed Dinkar and ran away to our homes
on our motorcycle. I am ready to show you the spot where I threw the knife if you follow me.
Seizure Panchnama
As per the statement of the Vinod, I, the undersigned, Radheshyam, Police Sub- Inspector at
Pehelwanpur Police Station, along with Police Constables Ram and Shyam, the driver of the
police vehicle Abdul and the two panchas i.e. Mukesh & Sukesh proceeded in the police issued
vehicle to the Namwar Dam as per the directions provided by Vinod. Upon reaching the Dam,
Vinod showed the spot where the accused persons stabbed Dinkar. Thereafter, Vinod took us
Eastward from the place of murder and about 20 feet away Vinod pointed at knife that was
laying on the ground. Vinod picked up the said knife having a dual edge and confirmed that it is
the same knife that was used by him to kill Dinkar.
20
Symbiosis Law School, Nagpur
A Constituent of Symbiosis International (DEEMED UNIVERSITY), Pune
Re-accredited by NAAC with "A++" Grade Awarded Category - I by UGC
WITNESS STATEMENTS
Thereafter, Dinkar left on his bike towards the Dam, which is where people often go at night
to drink. A few minutes later, I saw the three accused proceeding in the same direction. I can’t
say if they were following him or just going that way by themselves.
A few days later on 19/08/2025, the police sent me a knife and asked me to examine in the case
of murder of Dinkar. On 20/08/2025 I was again given a knife by the police to examine in the
case of murder of Dinkar. I prepared the weapon examination report and sent it to the police. I
concluded that both the weapons could have inflicted the wounds found on Dinkar.
21
Symbiosis Law School, Nagpur
A Constituent of Symbiosis International (DEEMED UNIVERSITY), Pune
Re-accredited by NAAC with "A++" Grade Awarded Category - I by UGC
PW-3 Radheshyam
I PSI Radheshyam, am attached to police station Pehelwanpur. We received anonymous
information on landline number of Police Station on 16/08/2025 around 3:30 am that there is
a dead body in an open field near the dam at the spot where drunkards usually congregate to
drink alcohol. I along with Police Constable Shyam and Ram proceeded in Government issued
police vehicle at the spot and after some search we discovered a dead body, with a visible stab
wound on the chest at around 4:15 am on 16/08/2025.
We conducted spot Panchama and inquest of the body. Thereafter the body was handed over
to Police Constable Ram to carry it to District General Hospital for having Post Mortem
Conducted. Later on the body was identified as Dinkar by Dinkar’s brother.
Thereafter I proceeded towards Police Station Pehelwanpur and lodged report on the basis of
which the FIR in present case was registered. I was immediately handed over the investigation
in the case as well.
On 16/08/2025 and 17/08/2025, I recorded the statements of people of the village and on the
basis of the same I got strong suspicion that the crime was committed by Abay, Vinod and
Sushil. Accordingly I arrested them on 17/08/2025. I secured the Police Custody Remand of
the 3 accused for 5 days from the nearest Magistrate.
On 18/08/2025, Vinod expressed his desire to confess to the crime. Accordingly, I called two
independent persons from the locality to act as panchas and witness the confession of Vinod.
During the confession, Vinod informed that he is ready to the location of the knife which was
used by him to murder Dinkar. Accordingly, we proceeded to the spot directed by Vinod,
which was near the crime spot. Vinod, helped in recovery of the knife used by him in the said
crime.
Similarly on 19/08/2025, Abhay also confessed to the crime in front of panchas and in a
similar manner helped in recovery of the knife used by him in the crime. I sent the said knives
for examination and got the conclusion from the doctor that both the knives were capable of
causing injuries found on the body of Dinkar. The material collected by me, being sufficient
to put the accused persons through trial, I filed the Chargesheet against them.
22
Symbiosis Law School, Nagpur
A Constituent of Symbiosis International (DEEMED UNIVERSITY), Pune
Re-accredited by NAAC with "A++" Grade Awarded Category - I by UGC
DW3: Kabir Kumar, Namwar Dam Guard (Statement under Section 180 BNSS not
recorded)
My name is Kabir Kumar, and I am employed as a security guard at the Dam. On the night of
15/08/2025, while on my routine rounds between 11:30 PM and midnight, I noticed the
deceased, Dinkar, arrive on a motorbike. He appeared to be looking around, as if searching for
someone. There were several small groups of people sitting and drinking nearby, but none
seemed to be interacting directly with Dinkar at that moment. Thereafter, I left for my guard
post. At about 3:30 AM on 16/08/2025, while patrolling the area near the far side of the dam,
I discovered Dinkar’s body lying on the ground with a visible stab wound to the chest. Nobody
else was around at the time.
I called the police from a Phone Booth nearby. I was afraid that I would be blamed for the death
of Dinkar that is why I did not come forward to the police officers during investigation.
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