Case Note & Summary
The appellant, Anil Chandrakant Londhe, was convicted by the Sessions Judge, Sangli in Sessions Case No.114 of 1999 for the offence punishable under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code and sentenced to life imprisonment and a fine of Rs.500, with default simple imprisonment for three months. The conviction was based on the prosecution case that on 29 March 1999, around 8:30-8:45 p.m., the appellant confronted the first informant Manik (PW4) near DoBhai Lodge over a previous incident at Visawa hotel. When the appellant rushed at Manik with a knife, Manik's sister Shakuntala intervened, and the appellant stabbed her on the chest and leg, causing her death on the spot. The first informant lodged a report (Exh.16) at Miraj City Police Station, leading to investigation by police officers PW7 and PW8. The knife (Article 1) was recovered from the spot, and the postmortem (Exh.19) conducted by Dr. Sujata Joshi (PW6) confirmed stab injuries as the cause of death. The appellant appealed against the conviction through jail. The High Court, after hearing the appointed advocate for the appellant and the Additional Public Prosecutor for the State, found no merit in the appeal and dismissed it, upholding the conviction and sentence.
Headnote
A) Criminal Law - Murder - Section 302 Indian Penal Code, 1860 - Conviction upheld - Appellant assaulted deceased with knife on chest and leg when she intervened in a quarrel between appellant and her brother - Medical evidence confirmed stab injuries caused death - Held that the prosecution proved the case beyond reasonable doubt (Paras 1-4).
Issue of Consideration
Whether the conviction of the appellant under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code for murder is sustainable based on the evidence on record.
Final Decision
Appeal dismissed. Conviction and sentence under Section 302 IPC upheld.
Law Points
- Murder
- Section 302 IPC
- Life imprisonment
- Intent to cause death
- Stab injuries
- Intervention during quarrel
