that the rate of putrefaction of body in water is more reliable than of body exposed to air as the temperature in water is more uniform and the body is protected from air. Ordinarily, the body takes twice as much time in water as in air to undergo the same degree of putrefaction. The process is retarded, when a body is lying in deep water and is well-protected by clothing. However, it is hastened when the body is lying in water contaminated with sewage. Flotation of body takes place when gases of decomposition or putrefaction develop within the submerged body. In India, submerged body comes to the surface within 24 hours in summer and within two to three days or more, and sometimes in more than a week, in winter. In temperate climates a submerged body floats within a week in summer and in about a fortnight in winter. Power of flotation of a decomposed body is so great that in certain cases it may float to the surface in spite of being weighted with a heavy stone. The duration required for flotation of body depends upon the age, sex, the condition of the body, season of the year and water. Bodies which are light in weight have low specific gravity and, therefore, float sooner. 20. In the context of the present case, there is no dispute that the occurrence had taken place in late December, that is, in winter. We have undertaken a check to ascertain the temperature range Criminal Appeal Nos. 1473-1474 of 2017 Page 18 of 30