New Delhi, March 2 (TIWN) Acquitting a man accused of murder of his wife, the Supreme Court on Tuesday said in a case of circumstantial evidence, motive plays an important link to complete the chain of circumstances, especially when death takes within four walls of the house.

A bench comprising Justices R.F. Nariman and B.R. Gavai said: "Though in a case of direct evidence, motive would not be relevant, in a case of circumstantial evidence, motive plays an important link to complete the chain of circumstances." The top court noted that the prosecution has utterly failed to prove motive beyond doubt and the important link to complete the chain of circumstances is totally absent in the present case. "It is well settled that where on the evidence two possibilities are available or open, one which goes in favour of the prosecution and the other which benefits an accused, the accused is undoubtedly entitled to the benefit of doubt", observed the top court.