Question

Under what circumstances the benefit of doubt can be accepted?

• A. By establishing preponderance of evidences in favour of the accused
• B. By establishing equal preponderance of evidences in favour and against the accused
• C. Due to the failure of prosecution to establish guilt of the accused beyond reasonable doubt
• D. Only by discretion of the court

Hint:

Benefit of doubt flows from the prosecution’s failure to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Standard of proof in criminal cases.
In criminal jurisprudence, the prosecution is required to prove the guilt of the accused beyond reasonable doubt.
Step 2: Concept of benefit of doubt.
When the prosecution fails to meet this standard and reasonable doubt persists regarding the guilt of the accused, the benefit of such doubt must go to the accused.
Step 3: Rejection of other options.
Preponderance of probabilities or equal balance of evidence applies to civil cases, not criminal trials. Benefit of doubt is not a matter of pure discretion but a rule of law.
Step 4: Conclusion.
Hence, the correct answer is (C).