Beyond Reasonable Doubt
The highest standard of proof in criminal law � the prosecution must eliminate every reasonable doubt about the accused's guilt.
Full Definition
Beyond reasonable doubt is the standard of proof required for a criminal conviction. It does not mean absolute certainty � no standard reaches that. It means the court is firmly convinced of guilt based on the evidence, with no rational alternative explanation. A reasonable doubt is one a reasonable person would harbour, not a fanciful or speculative one. Any reasonable doubt about guilt must result in acquittal.
In Indian Law
The standard is not codified in the Indian Evidence Act but is judge-made law applied universally. In C. Antony v. K.G. Raghavan Nair (2003), the Supreme Court held: 'If two views are equally possible, the court must accept the view that favours the accused.' The standard is higher than 'balance of probabilities' (civil standard) but lower than absolute certainty.