In this case, alleged money transaction between appellant-accused herein and deceased leading to dispute between them, resulting in appellant allegedly murdering deceased using firearm. As the case was based on circumstantial evidence and links in the chain of circumstances were not found established, hence, acquittal of appellant by trial court, restored. Held, while dealing with case of circumstantial evidence, motive assumes significance. Para 14. Held, settled position of law is that mere suspicion, however strong it may be, cannot be substituted for acceptable evidence. Para 16.
[Ravi Sharma v. State (NCT of Delhi), (2022) 8 SCC 536]