Panchanand Mandal @ Pachan Mandal & Anr. vs. State of Jharkhand (SC)

Criminal Trial–Dying declaration–Author of the dying declaration was not produced by the prosecution–Explanation that his attendance could not be secured in spite of summons issued against him–Not convincing explanation–His non-appearance prejudicially affected the defence–Further, dying declaration was not certified by the medical expert with stating the fit mental state of deceased–Held, it could not have been relied on.