Meaning and Legal Basis
Motive refers to the reason or driving force behind an act, especially a criminal act. It explains why a person commits a particular offence. Under Section 8 of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872, motive is a relevant fact because it helps the court understand the intention behind the act. Although motive itself is not an essential element of every offence, it becomes important where direct evidence is weak or absent. Motive assists in drawing logical inferences about the accused’s mental state, strengthening circumstantial evidence. However, the absence of motive is not always fatal, particularly when there is strong eyewitness or direct evidence linking the accused to the crime.
Evidentiary Importance of Motive
Motive plays a key role in cases based entirely on circumstantial evidence, as it provides a logical explanation connecting the accused to the offence. Courts often treat motive as a corroborative fact rather than conclusive proof. Under Section 8, facts that show motive, preparation, or previous or subsequent conduct are relevant to prove or disprove the alleged act. A strong motive can support the prosecution narrative, while lack of motive may benefit the defence. Still, the presence of motive alone cannot establish guilt unless supported by other reliable evidence such as conduct, recovery, or forensic findings.
Judicial Approach
Courts consider motive a psychological factor, which is often inferred from surrounding circumstances such as financial disputes, relationships, enmity, or personal gain. While courts acknowledge that human actions can occur without a clear motive, they examine whether the alleged motive reasonably aligns with the prosecution story. In many judgments, including those related to homicide and dowry deaths, motive is treated as an important link in the evidentiary chain. However, when direct, clear, and trustworthy evidence is available, lack of motive is not sufficient to discard the prosecution’s case.
Real-Time Example
A had ongoing property disputes with his brother B. Witnesses testify that A frequently threatened B, claiming he wanted sole ownership of their shared land. When B is later found murdered, the police suspect A. Although no eyewitness is available, the property dispute and threats establish a strong motive under Section 8. Combined with other circumstantial evidence like call records and recovery of the weapon near A’s house, the court considers motive as an important link supporting A’s involvement in the crime.
Mnemonic to Remember
Mnemonic: “M-O-T-I-V-E”
- M – Mental reason: Why the act was done.
- O – Observed through circumstances: Seen indirectly.
- T – Truth indicator: Supports prosecution theory.
- I – Inferences drawn: Helps infer intention.
- V – Valuable in circumstantial cases: Important link.
- E – Evidence under Section 8: Legally recognized.
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