Is a suggestion put in cross-examination whose answer incriminates the accused a substantive piece of evidence?

Paragraph 14P.W.14, the medical officer attached to the Government hospital, Bhavani examined A-1 on 24.06.2009. He has also seen the irregular margin of acid injury. Ex.P.8 has been issued in this regard and multiple scald burn injuries were noted by him on various parts of his body. Even for the suggestion put to the doctor as to the nature of the injury, it was suggested that the injury may also be possible due to boiling liquid. Therefore, it is clear that the injuries sustained by both the accused at the relevant point of time was not disputed. The suggestions put forth during cross examination if incriminating the accused, the same would be a substantive piece of evidence. In this regard, it is relevant to cite a decision of Hon’ble Supreme Court in Balu Sudam Khalde Vs. State of Maharashtra reported in (2023) 13 SCC 365 and in paragraph 44, the Hon’ble Supreme Court has held as follows: ‘44.During the course of cross-examination with a view to discredit the witness or to establish the defence on preponderance of probabilities suggestions are hurled on the witness but if such suggestions, the answer to those incriminate the accused in any manner then the same would definitely be binding and could be taken into consideration along with other evidence on record in support of the same.’ It is further to be noted that A-1 surrendered before the Judicial Magistrate court, Dindigul. P.W.35, the wife of A-1, has also clearly spoken about his surrender. The custody of A-1 was taken by the investigating officer P.W.18 and later, he examined him and recorded his confession. The admissible portion of his confession was marked as Ex.P.4. Pursuant to the same, black colour helmet and dark blue colour shirt in the presence of Village Administrative Officer were seized under Ex.P.5, besides, a mug from the bush in the opposite side of Eduvai Road was recovered under Ex.P.6. It is relevant to note that these materials were also subjected to forensic examination. Ex.P.23 forensic report was filed in this regard.