The Allahabad High Court has overturned the conviction of a man, Azad Khan, who spent nearly 24 years in prison for a dacoity case, ruling that the trial court erred in its judgment. The High Court's decision, delivered on December 19, 2025, orders Khan's immediate release from Mainpuri jail.

A division bench of Justices J.J. Munir and Sanjiv Kumar found that the trial court, in its 2002 verdict, relied solely on Khan's admission of guilt recorded under Section 313 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC). This section allows the accused to explain the evidence against them. The High Court emphasized that a conviction cannot be based solely on such an admission, especially when the prosecution fails to present corroborative or incriminating evidence.

The Allahabad High Court judges criticized the trial court for not recognizing that Khan's confession was likely driven by fear for his life, rather than being a genuine admission of guilt. The court also noted that Khan lacked legal representation during the trial and was not provided with legal aid, violating his right to a fair trial under Article 21 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty. This also violated Section 304 of the CrPC, which mandates free legal aid at the state's expense for accused persons.

The case dates back to 2000, when Khan was accused of entering an informant's house with 10-15 other individuals, assaulting family members, and looting cash and jewelry. During the incident, the miscreants allegedly opened fire, injuring three people. Khan's case was separated from the other accused after he filed a confession application. The trial court then convicted him under Sections 395 (dacoity) and 397 (robbery or dacoity, with attempt to cause death or grievous hurt) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

In its order, the High Court stated that the prosecution had "miserably failed" to connect Khan with the crime and prove his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The bench termed Khan's 24-year incarceration a "sad part of the matter," highlighting the injustice of his prolonged imprisonment without sufficient evidence. The court observed that Khan had essentially asked to remain in jail to save his life, indicating that his admission of guilt was not free from fear or pressure. Consequently, the High Court allowed Khan's appeal, overturned his conviction and sentence, and acquitted him of all charges.