Related witness

--- Evidence --- Ocular account --- Related eye-witnesses --- Reliability --- Eye-witnesses consistent with each other on all material particulars of the occurrence and whose testimony remains unshaken despite lengthy cross-examination are reliable witnesses --- Where the occurrence took place in broad daylight and the accused being a co-villager was well known to them, the question of mistaken identity does not arise --- Prompt reporting of the incident rules out the possibility of consultation or deliberation --- Related witnesses who have personally witnessed the crime and lost their close relation are not likely to falsely implicate an innocent person while allowing the actual culprit to go scot-free.

--- Related witness --- Scope --- Mere relationship of a witness with the deceased by itself is not sufficient to outrightly discard his/her evidence provided the same is confidence inspiring and trustworthy.

--- Related witness --- Scope --- Mere relationship does not, per se, render a witness unworthy of reliance --- What is required is that the testimony of such a witness must be scrutinised with care.