In a remarkable turn of events spanning over four decades, the Allahabad High Court has made a historic decision, exonerating four individuals who were convicted 41 years ago under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code. The case, dating back to 1971, involved a tragic altercation in a village during the grazing of cattle, resulting in the death of a man.
A division bench comprising Justice Siddhartha Varma and Justice Vinod Diwakar carefully deliberated on the circumstances surrounding the incident. They emphasized that the altercation had erupted spontaneously, devoid of any premeditated intent. Consequently, the Court revised the conviction of the surviving convicts to culpable homicide not amounting to murder under Section 304 (Part II) of the IPC.
The Court’s decision hinged on the recognition of Exception 4 of Section 300 IPC, which stipulates that culpable homicide in the heat of passion during a sudden quarrel does not constitute murder. Reflecting on the chaotic nature of the incident, where villagers gathered to aid their respective sides, the Court underscored the absence of premeditation.
Acknowledging the enduring trauma endured by the convicts over the past four decades, the Court opted for a lenient sentence. It imposed a nominal fine of ₹5,000 on each of the surviving appellants, deeming it a sufficient punishment considering their prolonged ordeal.
Advocates MP Yadav and PK Vishwakarma represented the appellants, while Additional Government Advocate Archana Singh and advocate Mayuri Mehrotra appeared for the State of Uttar Pradesh.
This landmark ruling serves as a testament to the evolving understanding of justice and the nuanced interpretation of legal statutes, offering a glimmer of hope to those ensnared by the complexities of the legal system.
