Case Note & Summary
The appellant, Indrajeet Godbole, was convicted by the Additional Sessions Judge-III, South Goa, Margao in Sessions Case No.28/2006 for the offence of murder under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and sentenced to life imprisonment with a fine of Rs.10,000/-. The complainant, Smt. Sunita, is the wife of the appellant. The incident occurred on 22nd August 2006 when the appellant visited the complainant's residence at Kasai, Cuncolim, demanded food and money from the deceased (the complainant's mother), and upon refusal, assaulted her with fist blows, kicks, and a laterite stone. The deceased succumbed to her injuries. The appellant fled and was later arrested at Mangalore. The prosecution examined witnesses including P.W.5 Suraj de Souza, who witnessed the assault. The trial court convicted the appellant. On appeal, the High Court of Bombay at Goa examined the evidence, including the testimony of P.W.5 and the medical evidence, and found them consistent and credible. The court held that the prosecution had proved the case beyond reasonable doubt. The appeal was dismissed, and the conviction and sentence were confirmed.
Headnote
A) Criminal Law - Murder - Section 302 Indian Penal Code, 1860 - Conviction upheld - The appellant was convicted for murdering his mother-in-law by assaulting her with fist blows, kicks, and a laterite stone after she refused to give him food and money - The High Court found the evidence of eye-witnesses P.W.5 and medical evidence consistent and credible - Held that the prosecution proved the case beyond reasonable doubt and the conviction and sentence of life imprisonment with fine of Rs.10,000/- was confirmed (Paras 1-10).
Issue of Consideration
Whether the conviction of the appellant under Section 302 IPC for the murder of his mother-in-law is sustainable based on the evidence on record.
Final Decision
The High Court dismissed the appeal and confirmed the conviction and sentence of life imprisonment under Section 302 IPC with fine of Rs.10,000/-.
Law Points
- Murder
- Section 302 IPC
- Life Imprisonment
- Conviction upheld
- Evidence of eye-witnesses
- Medical evidence
- Motive
