BALBIR SINGH vs STATE OF PUNJAB — Crl.A. No. 775/1999

Summary of Crl.A. No. 775/1999 - Balbir Singh v. State of Punjab The Supreme Court allowed the appeal and acquitted all appellants, setting aside their murder convictions. The case involved an encounter on June 26, 1990, over disputed land where Darshan Singh was killed. The Court found that the land was lawfully possessed by Mohinder Kaur (who purchased it in May 1988), and the appellants were engaged in legitimate agricultural operations when Hazara Singh's group attacked them with weapons. Based on the serious injuries sustained by the accused and civil court evidence confirming Mohinder Kaur's possession, the Court concluded the appellants acted within their right of private defence, which was proportionate to the attack. The appellants were directed to be released immediately with bail bonds discharged. This case analysis is maintained by casestatus.in based on publicly available court records.