In Brief
The appellant was convicted of attempted murder (Section 307 IPC) by the trial court and High Court for attacking an informant with a gandasa (axe-like tool) while disputing land cultivation rights, inflicting a compound fracture on the forearm. The Supreme Court found that although eye-witness evidence proved the appellant caused grievous injury, the spur-of-the-moment nature of the dispute negated intent to murder. The conviction was modified to Section 326 IPC (causing hurt by weapon). The appellant, aged over 72, was sentenced to one year rigorous imprisonment with a Rs. 50,000 fine and compensation of Rs. 45,000 to the injured's legal heirs.
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