In Brief
A group of accused attacked and killed Mohan Rai during a dispute over paddy transplanting on agricultural land. The trial court convicted all accused under Section 302/149 IPC (murder). The High Court modified the conviction to Section 304 Part-II IPC (culpable homicide) and reduced sentences to period already undergone. The Supreme Court upheld the conviction modification as justified (the incident was spontaneous, without premeditation) but enhanced sentences: accused Parsuram Rai, who inflicted the fatal sword blow, to 5 years rigorous imprisonment with Rs. 50,000 fine; other accused to pay Rs. 5,000 fine each, with prior imprisonment credited under Section 428. The fine amount was directed to be paid to the deceased's widow as compensation."
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