Supreme Court Dismisses Appeal in Criminal Case — Upholds Conviction and Addresses Remission Authority. The court clarified that remission can only be granted by executive authorities and that constitutional powers under Articles 72 and 161 are not restricted by statutory provisions.

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Case Note & Summary

The Supreme Court of India dealt with a criminal appeal filed by the appellant against the judgment of the High Court of Gujarat, which upheld the appellant's conviction. The appeal was dismissed, and the court noted that the High Court had thoroughly examined the case, leading to no discernible infirmity in its judgment. The court ordered the cancellation of bail previously granted to the appellant and directed her to be taken into custody to serve the remaining sentence. The appellant's counsel requested remission of the sentence; however, the court clarified that such remission is within the purview of executive authorities. The court stated that the appellant could make a representation for remission under Section 432 of the Code of Criminal Procedure or seek pardon under Articles 72 or 161 of the Constitution of India. The court emphasized that constitutional powers cannot be limited by statutory provisions, specifically referencing Section 433-A of the Code of Criminal Procedure, which restricts certain powers but does not affect constitutional authority. The appellant was also advised to approach the High Court if entitled to any remission benefits under state rules or government orders.

Headnote

A) Criminal Law - Remission of Sentence - Authority to Grant Remission - Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, Section 432 - The court clarified that remission can only be granted by executive authorities and not by the judiciary. The appellant was advised to seek appropriate redress from the government for pardon or remission, emphasizing that constitutional powers under Articles 72 and 161 are not restricted by statutory provisions. Held that the constitutional powers supersede statutory limitations (Paras 1-2).

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Issue of Consideration

Whether the appellant is entitled to remission of sentence and the implications of constitutional powers regarding remission.

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Final Decision

The Supreme Court dismissed the appeal, upheld the High Court's judgment, and ordered the appellant to be taken into custody to serve the remaining sentence. The court clarified that remission can only be granted by executive authorities and advised the appellant to seek appropriate redress.

Law Points

  • Bail
  • Remission
  • Constitutional Powers
  • Criminal Procedure Code
  • 1973
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Case Details

2010 LawText (SC) (10) 21

Criminal Appeal No. 689 of 2005

2010-10-07

Markandey Katju, T.S. Thakur

Samjuben Gordhanbhai Koli

State of Gujarat

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Nature of Litigation

Criminal appeal against conviction

Remedy Sought

Appellant sought remission of sentence

Filing Reason

Appeal against High Court's judgment upholding conviction

Previous Decisions

High Court upheld conviction in Criminal Appeal No. 812 of 1995

Issues

Entitlement to remission of sentence Implications of constitutional powers on statutory provisions

Submissions/Arguments

Appellant's counsel argued for remission of sentence Court clarified the authority for granting remission lies with executive authorities

Ratio Decidendi

The court held that constitutional powers under Articles 72 and 161 are not limited by statutory provisions, emphasizing the supremacy of the Constitution over ordinary statutes.

Judgment Excerpts

The High Court has dealt with the matter in great detail and upheld the conviction of the appellant. Remission can only be granted by the executive authorities.

Procedural History

The appeal was filed against the High Court's judgment dated 17.12.2003 in Criminal Appeal No. 812 of 1995.

Acts & Sections

  • Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973: 432, 433-A
  • Constitution of India: 72, 161
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