S
Sahaj Vidhi
Rajasthan Judiciary Pre 2011

Select the right option based on following Assertion-Reason: Assertion (A): The evidence of an accomplice requires to be accepted with a great degree of caution and scrutiny. Reason (R): He hopes for pardon or has secured it and so favours the prosecution.

Verified Answer
A. Both (A) and (R) are individually true and (R) is correct explanation of (A)
B. Both (A) and (R) are individually true, but (R) is not the correct explanation (A)
C. (A) is true but (R) is false
D. (A) is false but (R) is true

Explanation:

Assertion (A) is true. It is a well-established principle of criminal law that the evidence of an accomplice is inherently unreliable and requires corroboration because accomplices are often motivated by self-preservation. Reason (R) is also true and provides the direct explanation for (A). An accomplice, by turning approver, often testifies for the prosecution in exchange for a pardon or a lighter sentence, which creates a strong motive to fabricate or exaggerate evidence to favor the prosecution.