In Brief
Three appellants were convicted by the High Court of murder and other offences in connection with the death of Varkeychen George Thomas during a violent altercation. The Supreme Court set aside their conviction under sections 143, 147, 148 IPC (unlawful assembly) but modified their murder conviction under section 302 to culpable homicide not amounting to murder under section 304 Part-II IPC. The Court found no premeditation; the accused were unarmed when stopping the vehicle and picked up weapons (sticks, brick) only during the sudden quarrel. Single blows were inflicted without exhortation to kill. The appellants were released immediately, having served sufficient jail time.
The lawyer headnote and full judgment text are available to registered users.