In Brief
Kailash Chand was convicted in 1992 of attacking his brother and sister-in-law (offences of assault and voluntarily causing grievous hurt). The High Court affirmed his conviction and four-year sentence. He petitioned the Supreme Court. The Court learned that after nearly 30 years, the family members had reconciled and settled their dispute amicably in writing. Noting the incident's minimal societal impact and genuine settlement, the Supreme Court used its exceptional power under Article 142 of the Constitution to set aside the conviction and sentence, acquit Kailash Chand, and order his immediate release—even though the offences were technically non-compoundable under law.
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