In Brief
This case involved the honour-killing of a young couple, Murugesan (Dalit) and Kannagi (Vanniyar), who married despite caste differences. They were tortured, poisoned, and their bodies burnt by Kannagi's father and brother along with accomplices. The Supreme Court upheld convictions of eleven accused for murder under IPC Sections 302/149. It rejected defence arguments that hostile witnesses should be entirely disbelieved, holding that courts may rely on corroborated parts of such testimony. The Court also convicted two police officers for failing to register the FIR and for fabricating evidence against innocent Dalits. The judgment stressed that caste-based honour-killings represent deeply entrenched caste hierarchy and warrant stringent punishment. Victim compensation of ₹5 lakhs was awarded.",
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