In Brief
Devilal, Gokul and Amrat Ram were convicted for the murder of Ganeshram, a Scheduled Caste member, who died from injuries inflicted by the appellants in July 1998. The appellants attacked Ganeshram with axes, swords and lathis, making casteist remarks. The FIR filed by the dying Ganeshram at the police station was treated as a dying declaration and upheld as admissible evidence. The Supreme Court affirmed the conviction and life sentences for Devilal and Gokul. However, it found that Amrat Ram was a juvenile within the meaning of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000, and set aside his life sentence, remitting the case to the Juvenile Justice Board to determine appropriate quantum of fine.
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